Dental procedures can cause a degree of anxiety in many people. For some individuals, this anxiety stems from the unknown, since they may be unaware of what the procedure entails. So, if you learn that you need dental crowns, you may be worried about the procedure. What you may not know about dental crowns is that they happen to be one of the simplest and most common restorative procedures that are carried out. These crowns are affixed on top of your tooth to preserve the appearance and functionality of the tooth.

If you have no idea what to expect when getting dental crowns, here are a few of the most common FAQs answered.

Why do you need a dental crown?

Multiple dental disorders can be remedied using a dental crown. If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, your dentist can attach a dental crown, depending on the degree of damage. People who have developed tooth decay and have had part of their tooth extracted can camouflage the damage with a dental crown. If you have lost a tooth and elect to replace it via a dental bridge, your dentist can attach a crown to function as an anchor that keeps the prosthetic tooth secure. Lastly, you can elect to get dental crowns if you simply want to improve the appearance of your teeth.

What materials are used to manufacture dental crowns?

A benefit of dental crowns is that they can be made from a vast array of materials. Porcelain is one of the most common materials used for the dental crowns since it resembles the appearance of enamel. However, you can also opt to have your dental crowns created from a metallic alloy, stainless steel or even gold! When picking out materials for your dental crowns, you should keep the price in mind since the value of the material will dictate the cost of the crown.

What is involved in the process?

The installation of a dental crown will occur over several visits to your dentist. At your first appointment, your dentist will take some X-rays of your teeth to investigate the condition of your affected tooth as well as its neighbouring teeth. If the dentist finds that tooth decay has extended to your pulp, you will have to undergo root canal therapy before the crown is installed.

Once the dentist is satisfied with the state of the tooth, he or she will reshape it so that it can accommodate the crown. The dentist will then take a mould of your teeth and apply a temporary putty onto your tooth while you wait for the crown to be crafted. The crown is installed at your final visit; it will match the shape of your pre-existing tooth.