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March 18, 2022 by Admin 0 Comments

All About Dental Crowns and the Different Types of Crowns

Dental Crowns and the Different Types of Crowns

Dental crowns are a popular dental procedure used to restore the appearance and function of a tooth. A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth to cover the damaged area or strengthen a tooth. There are many different types of dental crowns available, and each type of crown has its benefits and drawbacks. This article will explain the different dental crown types and the pros and cons of each type.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the topic.

What are Dental Crowns and Why They are Important

Dental crowns are like helmets for your teeth. They go over the top of your teeth to protect them from getting damaged. Crowns can be made from different materials, like gold, silver, or porcelain. They can be used to fix broken or cracked teeth or cover up a dental implant.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns are essential because they protect the teeth from further damage and help keep them strong and healthy.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are three main types of dental crowns:

  • All-metal
  • All-ceramic
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal.

While metal crowns are made of a single piece of metal, all-ceramic crowns are made entirely of ceramic materials. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a combination of both ceramic and metal materials.

Let’s see each type in detail.

1) All-metal Dental Crowns

All-metal dental crowns are made of a single material. They are usually made of gold but can also be made of other metals, such as silver, platinum, or palladium. They are strong and durable and can last many years with proper care. They are typically used in areas of the mouth that experience a lot of pressure, such as the molars.

Pros:

  • Very strong and durable
  • Very resistant to corrosion and wear

Cons:

  • Often expensive
  • It can be difficult to color match with the surrounding teeth
  • It can be a bit too heavy for some people

2) All-ceramic

All-ceramic dental crowns are made from a ceramic material designed to look and feel like natural teeth. They are often used to restore the appearance of front teeth that have been damaged by chips, cracks, or stains. They are considered the most aesthetic option for crowns and can match the color of the patient’s natural teeth. This type of crown is often chosen for patients who have allergies to metals.

Pros:

  • Look more natural than other types
  • Less likely to cause tooth sensitivity
  • Lower thermal expansion coefficient than metal dental crowns, so they are less likely to cause cracks in teeth

Cons:

  • More prone to breaking than metal dental crowns
  • May chip or shatter if hit hard enough

3) Porcelain-fused-to-metal

A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is a dental crown of two parts: a metal base and a porcelain overlay. This type is created by bonding a layer of porcelain to the surface of a metal crown. Because they are made of porcelain and metal, these crowns are less likely to chip or break than all-porcelain crowns.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Resistance to staining
  • Ability to mask tooth discoloration

Cons:

  • The metal portion may be visible while smiling, which can be visually unappealing
  • A bit brittle

Types of Dental Crowns

Things You Need to Know Before a Dental Crown Procedure

There are a few things to know before going in for a dental crown procedure. First, the tooth needs to be prepped and an impression taken. This is so the crown can be made to fit perfectly. You may also need to have a temporary crown put on in the meantime.

Second, you may experience some sensitivity after the prep work is done. Also, it’s important to follow all of the dentist’s instructions after the procedure is completed to ensure proper healing.

Five Crucial Questions to Ask Your Dentist

  • What is the procedure involved?
  • What are the risks and potential complications?
  • What is the expected recovery time?
  • What are the costs involved?
  • What are the alternatives to a dental crown?

Five Common Dental Crown Care Tips

  • Avoid biting down on anything too hard, as this can cause the crown to break or chip.
  • Avoid drinking anything hot or acidic directly after the procedure, as they can weaken the bonding material that holds the crown in place.
  • Avoid eating foods that are sticky or chewy.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.
  • Visit your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year.

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January 26, 2022 by Admin 0 Comments

Periodontal Disease: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Periodontal Disease

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by a disease that develops in the gum pockets of the teeth. It is a major risk factor in tooth loss, and if not treated, can eventually lead to tooth loss. There are no single treatments for periodontal disease that will cure it. You need to follow a preventative regimen that will help reduce the rate at which the disease develops and progresses.

It will be more difficult for you to recover from periodontal disease if you are a smoker. It could be difficult also if you suffer from diabetes or have other medical conditions that weaken your immune system.

Early Signs And Symptoms

This condition is characterized by gum inflammation and bone loss around the teeth. The gums are the soft tissue covering the teeth and jaws and help hold the teeth in place. One of the first signs of gum disease is a pain when biting down on food. This is called periodontitis.

In other words, if you can’t bite down on a piece of bread or a sandwich without feeling the pain, that’s a sign that your gums are inflamed. And if you feel pain when brushing or flossing, that’s another sign. If this is happening, it’s time to get to the dentist.

If you notice any of these common signs and symptoms, you may be experiencing periodontal disease. The early signs are often painless, and you may not notice that your gums have become red, swollen, and bleeding. But, if you pay close attention to your teeth and gums, you might discover that they are starting to shift around or that your teeth and gums have started to loosen.

Causes Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects your gums and your teeth. There are several causes for periodontal disease, one of the most common forms of gum disease. Causes of periodontal disease include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and aging.

Your bone and connective tissue begin to recede from the gum line as you get older. This means there’s more room for bacteria and plaque to cause damage. Bacteria can also enter the tooth through dental fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, and even chewing gum.

If you’re a woman, you’re much more likely to develop periodontal disease than men. This is one of the reasons why the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) states that women should be screened more frequently for gum diseases.

Types Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease

There are six different types of periodontal disease that are common. Let’s take a look at them in a bit more detail –

Gingivitis

This type of periodontal disease affects the gums and can be quite painful. The good news is that if it is caught early enough, then there is a chance to fix it.

Periodontitis

This is more advanced gum disease and is a serious problem. It also affects the nerves in the mouth and can be quite painful. If left untreated, this type of periodontal disease can lead to loss of teeth.

Apical Periodontitis

This is another very severe problem that can lead to tooth loss. This type of periodontal disease affects the bone in the root area.

Systemic Periodontitis

This refers to the inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth. It is a condition that causes the bones to lose their ligamentous support and can lead to tooth loss. This ultimately leads to the loosening and loss of the teeth.

Aggressive Periodontitis

This is characterized by rapidly progressive alveolar bone loss and can cause tooth loss and even damage to the jawbone and teeth. It is a type of periodontal disease that occurs more frequently among adults, especially Caucasians between 30 and 50.

Necrotizing Periodontal

People suffering from this also suffer from other systemic diseases. All these factors make this a more complicated case to treat.

Treatment

When we talk about periodontal disease, we’re talking about gum disease. The gums line the inside of your mouth and support the teeth. Gum disease affects about 40% of Americans. If you have gingivitis, it can be reversed, but it’s very difficult to treat if it progresses to periodontitis.

The good news about gum disease is that it can be controlled and treated. If you are suffering from periodontal disease, take steps to improve your oral hygiene and seek the help of a dental professional to treat the problem. Your dentist or a periodontist will provide you with a full examination of your mouth, which will help determine if you need any additional treatments.

Prevention

The key to prevention is to prevent periodontal disease from occurring in the first place. By eating a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods and limiting the consumption of sugary beverages, brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and regular dental visits, you can help prevent periodontal disease.

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