A natural tooth crown has white tooth enamel covering it and yellower dentin underneath. As enamel wears away, more of the darker dentin underneath is seen and this is why teeth become yellow with age. When the natural crown is damaged or weakened, a new dental crown can be made. There are many reasons for replacement: because of fracture and loss of enamel, due to decay, when a tooth becomes very sensitive due to a crack, after root canal therapy and for cosmetic reasons

          During the first visit the natural tooth crown is prepared by reducing it's size and an impression is made using a very precise impression material. The impression is sent to a laboratory where a model of the preparation is made. A dental technician next creates an metal cover for the tooth and casts it in a gold alloy. A ceramist then bakes porcelain onto the metal cover so that the porcelain resembles a natural tooth. The patient then returns to the dental office and the restoration is adjusted and cemented to the tooth. Most patients choose a natural looking porcelain fused to gold restoration, however, it can be made completely out of a gold alloy or totally of porcelain.

          A tooth crown is much stronger than a tooth filling. Many patients, especially as they get older, crack parts of their natural crowns off while biting something hard. When a significant part is missing, an artificial one is the best alternative. A gold crown is very strong and has the advantage of wearing as natural teeth do. Gold restorations can not break the way porcelain can. However, porcelain crowns are beautiful and can be designed so no one can tell it's not your natural tooth. Crowns are usually covered by traditional dental insurance companies at 50% their costs. The extra money spent now spares your tooth additional dental insults in the future when your filling fails. They last longer than dental fillings.

         A tooth crown covers most of the exposed portion of a tooth and decay does not effect the restoration since it's is made of metal and/or porcelain. However, where the natural tooth meets the metal or porcelain can decay. This area is called the margin. Crowns normally last 5 to 10 years or more but often last much longer. They are part of providing excellent Dentistry to our patients. If you are interested in a free dental consultation with our Atlanta Dentist, Dr. Mark Padolsky, call 404-874-7428 to schedule.