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Dental crowns can provide you with a great option for repairing damage done to your teeth. The following questions are commonly asked to cosmetic dentists by patients at their initial dental crown consultation:

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is used to cover a damaged tooth and restore the tooth's strength and durability. Dental crowns cover the entire portion of the tooth visible above the gum line. This is different from a filling which only covers a portion of the visible part of a tooth.

Why would I need a dental crown?

There are many reasons why a dentist would recommend a crown including:

• Cracked teeth
• Fractured teeth
• An anchor is needed for a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth
• To cover a tooth that has had a root canal
• Fragile teeth
• Cosmetic purposes

A crown can fix a tooth that is misshapen or discolored. If you have been unhappy about the way a tooth looks, then a crown could be the answer to your problem.

How does a dentist make a dental crown?

A dentist creates a dental crown over the course of two dental appointments. During the first appointment, he will remove most of the outside surface of the tooth which will later be replaced by the crown. This is known as shaping the tooth. Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take several impressions of the tooth and other areas of the mouth. These impressions are sent to a dental technician who uses them to make a perfect fitting permanent crown. At the end of your first appointment, the dentist will attach a temporary crown to your tooth. During the second appointment, the dentist will attach the permanent crown to your tooth.

Is it painful to get a dental crown?

Getting a crown is a relatively painless procedure. The dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the areas of the mouth being treated.

What are the different types of crowns?

There are three different types of crowns. They are:
• Gold Crown
• Porcelain Crown
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crown

Which crown is right for me?

This is a question for your dentist to answer. When you schedule a consultation visit, your dentist will discuss the various costs associated with a crown, the best type of crown for you, and also financing options.

More Info from the Author:

If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and want more information on dental crowns, please contact the Pittsburgh cosmetic dentistry office of Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today for a complimentary consultation.