Dental crowns can improve the look of your smile dramatically. Learn more here about how Dr. Robin Woods with Robin F. Woods DDS & Associates, LLC, located in Pittsburg, KS, offers a wide range of dental services, including dental crowns.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown works as a cap covering a decayed or damaged tooth. Crowns come in a variety of materials, such as porcelain or metal.
Dental crowns are available for any tooth - from molars to your front teeth. When they cover your front teeth, they are specifically designed to match the color of the surrounding teeth, leading to a more natural smile.
Dr. Woods, a dentist located in Pittsburg, KS, can discuss the various dental crown options and help you figure out what type best fits your needs.
Types of Dental Crowns
Many different materials are used in making dental crowns, including:
- Metal
- Porcelain
- Zirconia
- Ceramic
- Composite resin
- Combination of the above materials
When considering what type of material is best for your smile, Dr. Woods will consider many factors such as:
- Location and function of the damaged tooth
- How much of the tooth is seen with smiling
- Gum tissue position
- How much natural tooth remains
- Color of surrounding teeth
- Personal preference of the patient
Who Needs a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns work as caps for dental implants or a large cavity too big for a filling repair. Dental implants are great options to consider if you have a missing tooth and the crown serves as a covering for the implant.
You may also benefit from a dental crown if you have a severely damaged, decaying, cracked, or weakened tooth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
When determining how long a dental crown will last, it is essential to consider certain factors. Therefore, before you consider dental crown placement, you want to first look at:
- Material of the dental crown: Metal crowns are more durable than ceramic and porcelain.
- Oral hygiene: If you neglect your oral care and do not have routine visits with your dentist, this will shorten your crown's life.
- Personal habits: Grinding and clenching your teeth can wreak havoc on your teeth and your dental crowns.
- Eating habits: Chewing ice, eating hard food items, like hard candies, can put your dental crown at risk of cracking.
Some crowns can last a lifetime, whereas others may crack and require a replacement. The average dental crown lasts between 10 and 30 years.
You have many choices when it comes to choosing the right dental crown for you. So call and make an appointment today for your dental crown consultation with Dr. Woods at Robin F Woods & Associates, LLC. at their office located in Pittsburg, KS at (620) 232-1000.