Dental crowns also referred to as dental caps, are commonly used to restore damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Teeth that have been damaged or decayed to the point of no return are not able to be restored with dental fillings or bondings. That is where dental crowns come into place. To restore a missing or damaged tooth with a dental crown, a dental implant is needed first so that they can act as an anchor for the crown.
When placing a dental crown, your dentist at Sheehan Dental will numb the tooth infected so that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. After your tooth is numb, they will file down the natural tooth into the right shape so that it can accommodate a dental crown. This is done so that the dental crown will not be too big and affect the way you bite down. Once the tooth structure is ready, different tools will be used to fabricate the proper crown. During this time, a temporary crown will be inserted until the permanent one is ready.
Damaged or Decayed Tooth? Find Out Why a Dental Crown is Needed 
A crown’s main purpose is to restore health, functionality, shape, strength, and size to a tooth while improving its appearance.
Circumstances where a crown may be needed includes:
- To replace an old, broken, or worn-out tooth filling
- To restore length on worn-down teeth due to grinding
- To protect a tooth that has decayed or cracked
- Crowns are used to hold dental bridges in place.
- A crown is used to cover a dental implant.
- To make cosmetic modifications such as a tooth gap
- To restore strength to any tooth that has undergone a root canal
- To support a tooth that has a large filling when there is not a lot of the natural tooth left.
A crown will not only protect the tooth that is affected from further wear and breakdown, but it will also enhance its appearance significantly. If the entire tooth is missing, gaps in the mouth will eventually lead to the surrounding teeth to shift into the empty space, causing a bad bite. A bad bite will affect your diet and lead to problems in your overall health. It will also cause bone deterioration in the jaw. This is why it is always essential to discuss tooth replacements like an implant or a crown with your dentist rather than leaving gaps within your mouth.
Different Types of Dental Crowns Available at Sheehan Dental to Improve Your Smile
There are a variety of dental materials that are used to create different dental crowns. Before your dental crown is created, your dentist at Sheehan Dental will ask you if you have a preference for the type of material. There are 5 different types of dental crowns to choose from, including:
1. Metal Crowns
Let’s start with the strongest crown out there; metal. These crowns are highly sought after because they are not abrasive to the teeth surrounding the affected tooth, meaning that they won’t rub or grind against them. The incredible thing about metal dental crowns is that they can be fabricated from different metals such as
- Platinum
- Copper
- Gold
- Cobalt
- Chromium
In most cases for people who need a crown, metal crowns are used to restore molars due to their strength, metallic appearance, and how they are not visible when opening the mouth or smiling. The only reason someone may not be fit for a metal crown is simply due to allergies.
2. Stainless Steel
Dental crowns made out of stainless steel are an ideal choice for a child who needs a dental crown for one of the primary crowns. Stainless steel crowns that are used for adults are usually only for temporary crowns before their newly fabricated one is ready. Temporary crowns are required between the preparation of the tooth and the permanent crown so that the exposed tooth structure is protected at all times. When your dentist offers same-day crowns like those at Sheehan Dental, then a temporary crown is not needed at all!
3. All-Porcelain Crowns
Dental crowns that are made out of porcelain or ceramic materials are popularly known as all-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns. These types of crowns are regularly recommended to dental patients that are allergic to metal materials. They are also the main choice for cosmetic dentistry treatments as their ability to contour and improve the color of the teeth is unmatched. All/porcelain crowns provide patients with a natural, aesthetic restoration option to damaged or decaying teeth. 
4. Porcelain Fused to Metal
Porcelain Fused Metal Crowns are very similar to metal crowns; the difference between the two is that these crowns are coated with porcelain over the metal base. Porcelain Fused Metal Crowns (PFM) are extremely popular because they offer the same strength as metal crowns with the beautiful aesthetics of porcelain crowns. Unfortunately, PFM crowns, unlike metal crowns, can grind and rub against the opposing teeth, wearing them down faster. Another disadvantage of PFM crowns is that if the gums recess it can allow for the metal ring to show, creating an unattractive appearance.
5. All-Resin
Dental crowns that are entirely fabricated out of dental composite resin are a completely metal-free, aesthetic option that is more affordable than other dental crowns. But, keep in mind that resin dental crowns are quite a bit weaker than other types of dental crowns and are quite a bit more likely to crack, chip, and wear down faster.
Talk to Your Dental Specialist in Palos Park at Sheehan Dental to Find Out What Dental Crown is Best For You
Damaged and decaying teeth will not only take away from your overall appearance, but it is also excruciating. Living with teeth that are constantly being attacked by some bacteria is frustrating, and it is understandable when you want to find a solution. If you feel as though you may need a crown to improve the health of your teeth and your smile, then look no further than Sheehan Dental in Palos Park.
Sheehan Dental is your most trusted clinic in Palos Park for any and all dental problems. We create a space for all ages of patients, ensuring that they feel more than comfortable throughout every visit. When you need a dental crown, our staff will go above and beyond to ensure that you get the crown that you want while implementing it with the utmost care and responsibility.
Contact Sheehan Dental for Dental Crowns in Palos Park
Overall, dental crowns can be fabricated from a wide array of dental materials. Each type of dental crown has its pros and cons that your dentist at Sheehan Dental will discuss with you before implantation, but rest assured you will have all of the information you need to make the best decision for your smile. Depending on your unique dental needs, your dentist will provide you with advice and information on which type of dental crown is best for you. When you need a dental crown in Palos Park, contact Sheehan Dental today to make an appointment.
GMB
Best Dentist in Palos Park IL
Sheehan Dental is one of the only clinics in Palos Park to provide patients with the latest and most advanced dental treatments. Our highly specialized team has years of experience delivering patients with the best aesthetic, implant, and restorative dentistry. Sheehan Dental is a cutting edge dental clinic that offers a wide array of cosmetic and general dentistry services to residents of Palos Park and the surrounding area. We are always accepting new dental patients and available for same-day and emergency dental care.
Your teeth and gums are important to your overall health and they are in good hands at Sheehan Dental. Our dental specialists are able to correct a wide array of problems thanks to our application to our advanced dental equipment, materials, and procedures. The skill, experience, and commitment of our dental services allow our entire team to improve the quality of life for each of our patients.