Welcome back to the third blog in our root canal and dental crown series!
In the previous post, we explained when and why a dental crown may be necessary after root canal treatment, the procedure for placing them, and their long-term benefits.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of dental crowns available and their unique features and suitability for root canal treatment.
Root Canals and Dental Crowns: A Review
In the previous blogs of this series, we highlighted the role this combination of procedures plays in maintaining oral health and preventing tooth extraction.
Here is a quick review of what we’ve learned so far:
- Root canals are a standard dental procedure that treats infection at the core of a tooth, preserving the tooth’s structure while eliminating bacteria from the infected pulp. A temporary stainless steel crown will be placed to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready for placement.
- Following a root canal, dental crowns become necessary to protect and restore the tooth’s functionality. These tooth-shaped caps cover a tooth, safeguarding it from further damage and restoring its appearance, strength, and shape.
Types of Dental Crowns
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for dental crowns. Various materials offer different aesthetic and functional benefits, and your choice will depend on your specific needs and your dentist’s recommendations.
Let’s explore the most common types of dental crown materials.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are crafted from a material that closely resembles the natural color and texture of natural teeth. Porcelain is a popular choice for those seeking a natural-looking restoration.
The pros:
- Porcelain crowns are a good choice for front teeth because they can be matched to your natural tooth color and blend in seamlessly.
- With proper care, porcelain crowns can last for many years.
- They are resistant to staining, allowing you to maintain a bright white smile.
- They are metal-free, which is beneficial for people with metal allergies.
- The ability to closely match the crown to the natural color of your teeth is a significant advantage for achieving a cohesive smile.
The cons:
- Porcelain crowns can be more prone to chipping or cracking than metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
- They can be more expensive than other types of crowns due to the material and expertise required to create a crown that looks natural.
- Porcelain crowns can cause more wear on the opposing teeth than metal crowns.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made from various alloys, including gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. At Morris Dental Solutions, we only use High Noble Metals in our crowns. Typically, Type III Gold.
The pros:
- Metal crowns can withstand biting and chewing forces well and tend not to chip or break, making them an excellent option for molars or back teeth.
- They often last longer than other types of crowns, potentially saving money over time.
- Preparing a tooth for a metal crown requires less removal of the natural tooth structure compared to other types.
The cons:
- The metallic color of these crowns doesn’t match natural teeth, making them more noticeable and less ideal for front teeth.
- Some people may have or develop an allergic reaction to the metals used in these crowns.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium oxide, a highly durable type of ceramic that boasts excellent strength and aesthetic qualities. Zirconia’s ability to withstand wear and tear and its biocompatibility makes it one of the most preferred materials for dental crowns today.
The pros:
- Zirconia is extremely strong and can withstand the forces of chewing, making it less likely to crack or chip than porcelain.
- Zirconia crowns can match the color of your natural teeth, providing a seamless look nearly indistinguishable from real teeth.
- Zirconia crowns are hypoallergenic and do not provoke adverse reactions in the mouth, making them a safe option for patients with metal sensitivities.
- Zirconia is less abrasive to adjacent natural teeth than some other crown materials, preserving the health of your entire mouth.
- Due to their strength and resistance to staining, zirconia crowns often have a long lifespan.
The cons:
- Zirconia crowns can be more expensive than other types due to the high-quality material and the technology required to craft them.
- Once a zirconia crown is made, adjusting the fit or color is complex, requiring precise measurement and matching before the final manufacturing process.
Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns are an advanced dental technology that provides a fast and convenient solution for patients needing dental crowns.
With same-day crowns, the process of designing, creating, and fitting the crowns is done in a single dental visit.
You won’t need to come back for multiple appointments or have temporary crowns, which makes the entire procedure more efficient and streamlined.
The technology behind same-day crowns uses computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to create a perfect fit.
The pros:
- The patient can now complete the entire process, from start to finish, in a single visit, saving time and eliminating the need for temporary crowns.
- CAD/CAM technology enables precise measurements, improving fit for a more natural sensation.
- Same-day crowns are made from ceramic materials that are durable and aesthetically pleasing.
The cons:
- Although same-day crowns use high-quality ceramics, they may not be as strong as materials used for traditionally manufactured crowns.
- The convenience of same-day crowns may increase cost, depending on the dental practice and insurance coverage.
Learn more about the benefits and potential drawbacks of crowns in our blog, “An In-Depth Guide to Understanding the Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns.”
What Type of Dental Crown Is the Best for Root Canal Treatment?
Choosing the best crown for a root canal treatment depends on various factors. Your dentist will consider the tooth’s location, bite, and personal preferences.
- Porcelain or zirconia crowns are suitable for front teeth.
- Metal or zirconia crowns are preferable for molars or back teeth.
- Same-day crowns are a convenient option for individuals with limited time.
Morris Dental Solutions – Dental Crowns in Buffalo Grove, IL
At Morris Dental Solutions, we want to help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
If you’re considering getting a dental crown, we’ll explain your options and help you choose what’s best.
Our goal is to provide high-quality care in a comfortable, modern setting. We’ll personalize your experience, so you leave with a beautiful smile you can proudly show off.
If you are searching for the ‘best dentist in Buffalo Grove, IL,’ or ‘dental crowns near me,’ schedule an appointment with the experts at Morris Dental Solutions. Call (847) 215-1511 or complete the online booking form.
Stay tuned for the final blog in our series, where we will share root canal recovery tips!
Dental Crown FAQs
You can expect to pay between $1200 to $3,000 per crown without insurance. The cost of a dental crown can vary based on factors such as your location, the material used, and your insurance.
For more information on this topic, read our blog: Does Dental Insurance Cover Crowns?
Dental crowns can last for many years with proper care. How long it will last depends on how you take care of it, your oral hygiene habits, and the material used.
A dental crown looks like a hollow, artificial tooth placed over a prepared natural tooth to restore its function and appearance. The color and shape of the crown are customized to blend with the rest of your smile.
The ‘best’ type of dental crown is subjective and depends on individual patient needs. If you need a crown for a front tooth, porcelain or zirconia may be your best aesthetic option. Strength and durability may be more critical for back teeth, making metal or zirconia crowns favorable choices.
