Tooth decay, trauma, and gum disease can leave your tooth weakened. Therefore, protecting the vulnerable tooth from future damage or decay is essential. Fortunately, the dentist who fixes dental crowns in Houston, TX, can place a dental crown to protect the vulnerable tooth. However, before the installation process, the dentist may discuss with you which dental crown you'd desire. We will help you answer that question by talking about the various types of dental crowns, which one will suit you, and whether the procedure is painful.

What are Dental Crowns?

A crown is a dental restoration appliance that is tooth-shaped and placed on a weakened tooth to restore and protect it. Here are some of the reasons why a dental crown may be recommended:

• To cover a dental implant.
• To restore a worn-down tooth.
• To protect a vulnerable tooth, for instance, a decayed or cracked tooth.
• To cover a stained or misshapen tooth.
• To support a dental bridge.
• To cover and provide anchorage to a large filling where the tooth is severely damaged or worn down.

Before installing the tooth crown, the dentist will discuss the various types of dental crowns. They include:
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns- these types of dental crowns are a combination of porcelain material and metal. The advantage of this type of crown is that it is durable thanks to the metal and matches well with the other natural teeth thanks to the porcelain material. However, porcelain-fused-to-metal-crowns can erode the opposing teeth's enamel, and the porcelain coating can wear off after some time.
All porcelain or ceramic crowns- ceramic or porcelain crowns are common as they match well with the color of your natural teeth and are suitable for people allergic to metal. The most common material used to make ceramic crowns is zirconium oxide; that's why ceramic crowns are also referred to as zirconia crowns.
Metal crowns- there are various metals that the dentist in Houston can use in making metal crowns. Some of the metals include chromium, palladium, gold, and nickel. The advantage of metal crowns is that they rarely break or chip and are the most durable type of dental crowns.
All-resin crowns- these are the least expensive types of dental crowns. However, they are less durable and are susceptible to fractures than metal or porcelain-fused- metal crowns.

Is It Painful to Get A Crown?

Before answering whether a crown placement is painful, explaining what you should expect during the procedure is essential. After the dentist has determined that a dental crown is right for you, they will begin preparing the tooth. First, local anesthesia is administered to ensure that you don't experience any pain or discomfort throughout the procedure. The preparation involves the removal of some tooth enamel to ensure that the crown fits well. A filling material can also be used to make your tooth larger: this is usually the case for a decayed or damaged tooth. This first step is to ensure a strong foundation for the crown. Next, the dentist takes impressions of the prepared teeth, which are taken to the dental lab for making the dental crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth in readiness for the permanent crown. The permanent crown will be ready in about two to three weeks. During the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown, check the shape of the new crown and bond it to the prepared tooth using dental cement. So, there should not be any pain during and after dental crown placement. This is because local anesthesia is administered during the tooth preparation and dental crown placement. You may experience a little discomfort after the procedure, but this should clear in a few days. There can also be slight sensitivity in the surrounding gums. The sensitivity is a result of the dental cement used, which can irritate. However, if you experience pain lasting more than a few days, you should visit the emergency dentist near you. The pain might be caused by a crown that is applied incorrectly or is the wrong size. If the crown is placed incorrectly, it can put pressure on the roots and nerves of the tooth leading to infection.

Conclusion

A dental crown can protect a vulnerable tooth from tooth decay, chewing forces, and trauma. So, if you have a decayed or broken tooth, don't hesitate to consult us at North Star Dental Center. Our dentist will examine your tooth and recommend the most suitable treatment for you.