Crowns are tooth shaped covers that are placed on tooth that has been

badly damaged or decayed. The crown is made in such a way that it can

look like your tooth. Some people call it a cap. There are many

reasons why many people place crowns on their tooth. Often the tooth

is broken or damaged by a great amount of decay. This can not be

solved by filling the tooth or making it tough enough. Crowns hold the

cracked tooth parts together as well as hold a bridge in place. With

the use of crowns the appearance of the tooth is better. Crowns

equally cover discolored teeth.

Crowns are either metal, porcelain or ceramic. The metal crowns

include gold alloy, palladium or nickel or chromium. Porcelain crowns

are stronger and better than metal crowns. They are usually used at

the back of the teeth. Ceramic is not recommended to be put at the

back of the teeth but have same color with the natural teeth. Usually

crowns last for at least seven years or even longer.

After a crown procedure, the patient’s tooth appears stronger, and

more attractive as these crowns are designed to be this way. Crowns

are designed to last for up to eight years and can last for a longer

period (even up to forty years). If a patient carries out proper oral

hygiene, do not carry out habits such as teeth grinding, ice chewing

and fingernail biting, the crowns will last even longer.

Hot or cold sensitivity can be felt by the patient if the crown tooth

has retained nerve especially between the edge of the crown and gum

line. To reduce this, the dentist advises the patient to brush with

toothpaste produced for sensitive teeth. Pain sometimes comes when the

biting as a result of crown that has been placed too high on the

tooth. If this persists see a dentist for fixing.

Besides sensitivity in the tooth, the cement under the crown may wash

out, this causes bacteria to easily move into the tooth and cause

decay on tooth remains. At times, the crowns may fall off; this could

be as a result of improper fitting or not enough cement around the

crown. If this happens, clean the crown and put temporary tooth

cement. Then see a dentist as soon as possible do not hesitate on this

one.

Tooth with crown needs to be cleaned, brushing two times a day, and

regular dental visits are essential. Dental floss cleaners are vital

tools for plaque removal from the crown area, especially where the gum

meets the tooth. Plaque causes dental decay and gum diseases.

This article can not be complete with out mentioning the advantages

and disadvantage of each crown type.

Gold crowns are simple and less complicated because the removal of the

tooth structure is negligible. The healthy tooth structure is left.

Fitting gold crowns is easier. It does not cause wearing because it is

not hard. It has only one disadvantage, it is not attractive when put

in front of the mouth.

Porcelain crowns are aesthetically gratifying. This is because it

comes in different shades that match the color of different teeth. The

disadvantage here is that, the dentist will have to take off some

tooth structure irrespective of the fact that the tooth is healthy or

not. This is also porcelain has its thickness that shows its

attractive nature. It is difficult to fit between gums and crowns

needs a high level of dexterity.