What Is a Crown?
A crown is a restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It’s used to protect a tooth that has been damaged or is at risk for future damage. A crown can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth that is badly decayed.
There are three main types of crowns:
- all-metal crowns;
- porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns;
- all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns.
All-metal crowns are made entirely out of gold, platinum, or another type of metal. They’re strong and durable, but they’re also very noticeable. This is because they don’t look like natural teeth.
PFM crowns are made out of metal covered with porcelain. They’re strong and durable, and they look more like natural teeth than all-metal crowns. All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are made entirely out of porcelain. They’re not as strong as metal crowns, but they look more like natural teeth.
When Is a Crown Needed?
There are many reasons why you may need a crown. Some of the most common reasons include:
- to restore a tooth that has been damaged;
- to support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth left
- to hold the filling;
- to protect a tooth that is at risk of breaking;
- to cover a dental implant.
Now, how much tooth is needed for a crown? Before we answer this question, you need to understand how a crown is placed.
How Is a Crown Placed?
A crown is placed over an existing tooth. The first step is to numb the tooth and the surrounding gums. Next, your dentist will remove any decay or damage. Once the tooth is prepared, an impression will be made. This impression will be used to create your custom crown.
Your existing tooth will be reshaped to fit the crown. The crown will be placed over the tooth and secured with dental cement.
How Much Tooth Is Needed for a Crown?
So, how much tooth is needed for a crown? In general, at least two millimeters of tooth structure must be remaining, which is about one fourth of the tooth. This is because the crown needs to have something to attach to. If there isn’t enough tooth left, the crown may not stay in place.
In some cases, your dentist may be able to build up the tooth so that a crown can be placed. This is done by adding dental filling material to the tooth.
The amount of tooth that is remaining will affect the type of crown that is used. If there isn’t much left, your dentist may recommend an implant-supported crown. Implants are placed in the jawbone and they’re very strong.
When There Isn’t Enough Tooth Left
If there isn’t enough tooth left, you have a few options. You can get a dental implant, which is the best option. Implants are strong and they look and feel like natural teeth. Another option is to get a bridge. A bridge is made up of two crowns with a false tooth in between. The crowns are placed over the existing teeth. The false tooth is then attached to the crowns.
A third option is to get a partial denture. A partial denture is a false tooth that’s attached to a metal frame. The frame is then held in place by your existing teeth.
Now you know how much tooth is needed for a crown. If you have any questions, talk to your dentist. They’ll be able to help you decide if a crown is the best option for you.
Similar Posts:
- What Is a Tooth Cap? Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns
- Removable Dental Bridge: Is It a Good Option for Teeth Loss? Here’s Everything You Should Know
- “My Crown Fell Off and My Tooth Is Black” | Dental Crowns
- What Is a Flipper Tooth? A Guide to Dental Flipper Dentures
- How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth? Fixing Teeth Cost
