Dental Crowns St. Louis – Long Lasting Restoration for Function and Beauty

The highest priority in providing dental care is to maintain as much natural tooth structure as possible. However, there are instances in which damage or decay surpasses the capabilities of standard treatments. In such instances, optimal results may come from restoration with a dental crown.

A dental crown is typically fabricated in a lab. Materials commonly used to make dental crowns include metal alloy materials. Gold has long been a favorable metal for crowns, as this material is biocompatible and therefore more easily accepted by gum tissue. Other materials used to construct crowns are porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, ceramic and resin. While a metal crown is very strong and able to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing, this material certainly doesn’t look natural. For the most natural look, your dentist may recommend a porcelain fused to metal crown, or you may consider porcelain crowns. The various materials used for crowns have distinct characteristics that make them more or less suitable. Your dentist will make recommendations based on your particular circumstances.

Preparation for a dental crown includes removal of all decay or damage. Once the damaged portion of the affected tooth is removed, your dentist will take an impression that will be sent to the lab. During the time your permanent crown is being made, you will wear a temporary crown. This process takes approximately two weeks to complete.

Dental crowns are also an integral part of dental implant restorations, or may also be used in a dental bridge. These treatments are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth.

The intention of our dental crowns in St. Louis is to provide a long-lasting restoration for a damaged tooth. A crown should stay in place for many years. Although the materials used in dental crowns will not decay, proper oral hygiene habits and regular check-ups and cleanings are still necessary in order to preserve healthy gum tissue to support your crown. To restore health to your smile, talk with your dentist about dental crowns to repair damaged teeth.