Dental Crowns - Why Can't I Have A Filling?

A good dentist will perform an examination to see if you need dental crowns or other work for your oral care. Often when a large portion of your tooth has been eaten away due to decay, a dentist may suggest that you receive this work because it provides more stability for your tooth than fillings. When only a small portion of your tooth is decayed, a filling is probably effective. Sometimes dentists will opt to give patients a temporary filling suggesting that they receive a more permanent treatment when they are able to afford it.

There are other reasons that a dentist will suggest that you receive dental crowns. For example, patients who have a tooth that is broken can have the cap placed to give the tooth more structure. The cover is also helpful for patients who have an implant or those who have teeth that have suffered from a large amount of wear.

Just as there are different reasons why a dentist will suggest that you receive dental crowns, the dentist may discuss options for the types of caps that can be added. Gold is a precious metal, but when it is used in your mouth, it is visible. Because some patients do not want others to notice the work that has been completed in their mouths, they may prefer that their dentists use other options. Gold's durability is a benefit. The metal is long lasting and will not usually be impacted when a patient bites down or chews food. In other words, gold is likely to stay in place for a long period of time and withstand wear and tear.

Patients who are interested in options that are less visible, should consider asking their dentists for porcelain. Porcelain can more closely match your tooth. Many patients feel more confident knowing that the work on their tooth is not noticeable. Celebrities do not have to be the only ones who have great looking teeth. With porcelain work, you can smile broadly and your teeth will look as natural. Your dentist will discuss the drawbacks to using porcelain. Most likely, he or she will tell you that this material can cause your natural teeth to wear down. It is also possible that the treatment does not completely match and the porcelain or the metal is visible.

Some people choose to use resin, which is also less visible than metal or metal that is covered with porcelain. The downside to using resin, lies in its lack of durability. After eating and grinding your teeth over a period of time, you may find that this material is wearing down, and may need to be replaced. If you choose this option, your dentist will have to keep a close on the resin. Although the resin may look more natural than metal, it's a good idea to set aside money to have it replaced when needed. If your dentist opts to give you temporary dental crowns, you should also be prepared to return at some point for a permanent solution.