Despite advancements in technology and the field of dentistry, tooth decay continues to be one of the most prevalent oral health concerns. The good news is that even the presence of a large cavity doesn’t mean that the tooth needs to be removed. Instead, your dentist can address the damaged tissue and protect the remaining structure with a dental crown. Previously, this restoration was made of materials like gold and silver, but now there are several options to choose from. To learn more about each, read on!
Gold Dental Crowns: The Pros and Cons
As you may have guessed, gold dental crowns consist largely of gold with a mixture of platinum, silver, and other precious metals as well. Although they may leave a bit to be desired in the looks department, they’re incredibly durable and have a long lifespan. Even better, they are quite thin, allowing more of your natural tooth to be preserved.
Full-Porcelain Dental Crowns: The Pros and Cons
Well-known for their lifelike appearance, full-porcelain dental crowns are one of the most sought-after options. Plus, there are several other benefits to consider, including the fact that porcelain doesn’t conduct heat, decreasing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. Unfortunately, these dental crowns can be damaging to the surrounding teeth, especially if you chronically clench or grind them. Furthermore, more of your natural tooth structure needs to be altered to accommodate their thickness.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Gold Dental Crowns: The Pros and Cons
Porcelain-fused-to-gold dental crowns are designed to combine the lifelike nature of porcelain and the durability of gold varieties. To accomplish this, porcelain is stacked in layers on a gold alloy base. Since each crown is custom-made, the results benefit both the look and function of your smile. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the dark metal edge at the base may be visible.
Now you may be wondering, “How do I know which one is best for me?” Ultimately, the best thing to do is talk to your dentist about your options. From there, they can review the pros of each even more in-depth and offer a suggestion based on their expertise. Once you select a material, you’ll be a step closer to having your smile and bite restored!
About the Practice
At University Dental Group, we have five exceptional doctors, including an endodontist. As a team, they focus on helping each of our patients maintain, restore, and enhance their smiles. If you need to protect a decayed or damaged tooth with a dental crown, then we will be sure to discuss each of your options and answer any questions you may have. If you have a question about the dental crown process or you’d like to schedule an appointment, then don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 753-1911.