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All About Implants

My teeth were starting to deteriorate, and I was running out of options to repair them. The dentist gave me a choice. I could wait until the bone loss was so bad that I would have to have my teeth removed and get dentures, or I could have them removed now and get dental implants. I opted for the implants. If you’re thinking of getting dental implants, you probably have a lot of questions. I love mine, but they took some getting used to. In this blog, I’m sharing my experience and all the information that I picked up throughout my implant experience. You can find out what the procedure entails, how to prepare for your implants, and how to care for them once they’re in.

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All About Implants

The Differences Between Crowns: Your Dental Questions Answered

by Alfredo Moore

Are all dental crowns the same? From why you might need this type of restoration to the materials they're made from, take a look at what you need to know about the differences between crowns—and the healthy mouth benefits they offer.

Why Would You Need A Crown?

There isn't one reason to choose this type of dental restoration. Dentists use this type of repair to protect weak teeth, restore severely chipped or damaged teeth, cover or support decayed teeth, hold a bridge, change the color of a tooth, or change the shape of a tooth. This oral care option is also the visible (top) part of an implant system and can cover a tooth following a root canal.

Is Every Dental Crown Permanent?

No, every crown is not a permanent dental restoration. While some will remain in your mouth for years, others are used to temporarily top a tooth. A temporary crown is a placeholder. Dental restoration specialists may take days or weeks to craft a permanent version that perfectly fits your mouth and matches your other teeth. 

Instead of going toothless during the in-between time, the dentist may place a temporary crown in your mouth. The dentist will then remove the temporary when the permanent prosthetic is ready. 

What Is A Permanent Crown Made From?

The difference between these prosthetic restorations doesn't stop at temporary versus permanent. Crowns are made from a few different types of materials. The specific material you choose depends on the dentist's recommendations, the problem you need to fix, your dental budget, and the look you want to achieve.

The most common types of crown material include metals (such as gold, chromium, nickel, and palladium), resin, ceramic or porcelain, and porcelain fused to metal. A ceramic, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal prosthetic will have the most natural appearance. These dental crowns look and feel like real teeth. A resin restoration also has a natural appearance. But it may not have the same strength or durability as the other tooth-colored options. 

Metal crowns are the most noticeable option. While the gold or silver color is obvious in your mouth, these prosthetics are highly durable, not likely to chip, and could last for a lifetime. These restorations make excellent chewing surfaces and are easier to hide in the back of the mouth.  

Which Option Should You Choose?

With so many different crown options available, you may wonder which prosthetic is the right one. There is no universal answer to this question. Before you choose a crown, talk to your dentist. The dental professional can review the materials and help you to select a restoration that matches your needs and fits into your budget.

For more information on dental crowns, contact a professional near you.

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