A ceramic crown is a restorative dental treatment to protect a tooth that is broken or decayed to the point where a filling is not able to address it completely. Dental crowns can also be used as a part of a dental implant, replacing the missing tooth. Dental crowns can be made of a variety of materials, but ceramic offers strength and the ability to blend in with your surrounding teeth. Most ceramic crowns will last 10 or more years, so they are a common treatment plan for people who need the protection and functionality of a crown.
A dental crown completely covers the entire visible portion of the tooth like a protective shell. It keeps the inner, softer tissues of your tooth preserved. Once the outer layers and enamel of the tooth are compromised from a crack, cavity, or root canal, a dental crown is designed to function like the outer layers of all your other teeth. It provides strength when a tooth has lost enough of its natural strength, and properly maintained ceramic can stand up to functional pressures as well as cosmetic ones.
One of the advantages of ceramic crowns is that the color of the ceramic can be customized to closely match the shade, translucency, and contour of neighboring teeth, resulting in a more natural-looking final restoration. Many patients choose ceramic for their crowns on their front teeth when their goal is to smile with confidence. People opt for ceramic crowns even in posterior teeth because the ceramic crown blends in.
In order to get a dental crown, the dentist will need to evaluate the tooth and determine if a crown is required for the tooth to function properly again. After the tooth is prepared, an impression or digital scan is made so that an accurately fitting crown can be manufactured. A temporary crown may be fitted until a dental laboratory fabricates the permanent crown. Once the final crown is ready, your dentist cements the crown onto the prepared tooth and checks your bite to make sure it fits properly.
Because ceramic is biocompatible, it will not irritate your gum tissue and allow for better cleaning. Ceramic crowns can help you avoid gum disease because you will be able to maintain long-term oral health with your habits of brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings.
Ceramic crowns are durable, but they do require care. You will need to avoid biting down on hard foods and grinding your teeth to prevent damage from mechanical forces. Regular dental examinations allow your provider to check your crown and the surrounding teeth before any serious problems can compromise the crown.
Ceramic crowns are reliable, popular choices to support any remaining tooth structure, and are used as a prosthesis to restore strength, function, and aesthetics. Your ceramic crown will be able to contribute to your long-term oral health.
If you have more questions about ceramic crowns or how they could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if ceramic crowns are the best option for you.