Dental Crowns

Whether damaged, disfigured, or stained, a crown is a standard treatment to return a tooth to its natural shape, size, and color. Dr. DiMattia offers several types of crowns to meet patient needs.

Crowns are the most used dental appliance, whether doing cosmetic work, placing bridges or implants, or performing root canals. A tooth damaged above the gum line can be prepared and covered with a crown, and root canals are performed specifically to save the root and then covered with a crown. Replacing a tooth typically requires a crown in some form or fashion.

The position in the mouth is a significant factor in choosing the material to make the crown. The materials vary in color and strength. Crowns in the back of the mouth should be able to withstand higher chewing forces than ones in the front. A crown that is not tooth-colored would be more desired in the front of the mouth where visible when smiling or talking.

All-resin material may wear down over time but are the least expensive.

All-ceramic or all-porcelain material matches the color of the remaining teeth easily and are very durable.

Metal is mainly used in the back of the mouth because of the silver color, but the strength does make metal an excellent choice for the back teeth.

Temporary crowns used while waiting for permanent crowns to be manufactured or for baby teeth that will fall out eventually are typically made of stainless steel.

The least popular is porcelain fused to metal as it is easier to chip.