When teeth come under attack from decay or disease, or when they have simply been damaged in an accident, they can often become very fragile and susceptible to further problems and a great deal of pain. In these circumstances it is often necessary for the dentist to fit a dental crown over the tooth to restore the cosmetic appearance and secure the tooth against further damage.
Dental crowns cover all parts of the tooth exposed above the gum line. In this way, they act as a barrier against all forms of infection and stimuli that could cause more aggravation. Crowns were traditionally made form a combination of metal and ceramic, although recently it has become both possible and fashionable to have crowns made either entirely from metal or ceramic. Some patients even opt for gold or silver crowns as a fashion statement, although this is perhaps not for everybody.
Modern ceramic crowns are made from porcelain using the very latest computer-guided machinery. This means they are both very accurate and very strong. Modern crowns are also a lot thinner than they have been previously. This is without losing any of their durability but also means they are a lot easier to place than ever before. In the past, dentist often had to remove large amounts of enamel so that the new crown would fit evenly over the top and not appear too large. Dentists are rarely keen on removing healthy enamel but often had little choice. Modern crowns make this removal of enamel less necessary.
Dental crowns from a City of Leeds dentist are one of the most useful and versatile dental restorations. A well made crown will last for up to twenty years if well cared for, allowing you to carry on with your life knowing your teeth are well protected.
Tags: dental crown, dental decay
