Information about Stainless Steel Crowns:
Stainless steel is a ceramic used to fabricate dental restorations. Dentists and patients prefer stainless steel because it is the strongest, most long-lasting ceramic available in restorative dentistry. For years, Stainless steel has been used to craft metal-free crowns and bridges in place of missing or damaged teeth. Stainless steel’s translucent properties give it a natural appearance, and its bio-compatible composition significantly reduces the risk of inflammation or allergic reaction. Nicknamed ‘ceramic steel’, it has even been used for the fabrication of artificial joints.
Stainless Steel is an ideal dental material for the fabrication of dental crowns, which are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the top of a decayed or damaged tooth. There are three types of stainless steel crowns that can be used: Solid stainless steel crowns are made exclusively of stainless steel, while layered stainless steel crowns have a layer of porcelain. There are also Emax/ZirPress ceramic restorations which offer a conservative approach to dental crowns, as well as veneers, inlays, onlays, and overlays.
Did you know…
Stainless steel crowns are one of the strongest restorations available. Additionally, stainless steel crowns have several benefits, including:
- Hypoallergenic
- Good biocompatibility
- Healthy tissue response
- Can be used for bruxers
- Can be chemically bonded to the teeth to create marginal seal
- Long-term and predictable restoration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a crown right for me?
If you have a tooth that is significantly damaged or decayed, but still intact, a dental crown may be right for you. Dental crowns are generally recommended when most of the natural tooth structure is damaged or decayed. Dental crowns are also used to restore the tooth after a root canal is performed. To determine if a stainless steel crown is right for you, schedule an office consultation today.
What should I expect when I have my crown placed?
If you are a candidate for a crown, your teeth will be reduced in size to ensure a proper fit. An impression will then be taken of your bite and used to fabricate a mold for the crown. Its color will be matched to the natural shade of your other teeth. This information will be sent to a dental lab, who will fabricate your customized stainless steel crown. You will be fit with a temporary crown to wear until your permanent crown is complete.
Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?
Your teeth will need time to heal following the crown placement process, so it is normal for you to experience some sensitivity – especially to hot and cold. Additionally, you may experience soreness in the gums surrounding your restoration, though this is usually manageable with ibuprofen and should subside within a few days. Stainless steel restorations are very durable. You’ll need only to continue using good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing as well.
Information about Composite Fillings:
They can be used to fill in decayed areas of the teeth, as well as to help repair chipped or broken teeth. Most dentists use composite restorations to treat the teeth closest to the front of the mouth, as they are more noticeable when patients smile. However, advancements in dental technology and the composition of composite fillings have made it possible for dentists to also use tooth-colored fillings on molars, which receive more wear than other teeth.
Did you know…
That composite fillings allow dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth structure? This is because composite materials chemically bond to the surface of the tooth like an adhesive. The process takes slightly longer to complete than traditional amalgam fillings, but patients can preserve more of the natural portion of the teeth while enjoying a restoration that is discreet and understated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for tooth-colored fillings?
If you have a cavity, broken tooth, or a deteriorated filling, you may be a candidate for a tooth-colored filling. Schedule a dental consultation to find out if composites are right for you.
What should I expect if my dentist decides a composite filling is right for me?
During your visit, your gums and teeth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your teeth will be removed to make room for the new tooth-colored filling. A resin will be placed over the area and cured with a hand-held light for less than a minute. The new filling will then be shaped and polished before the procedure is complete.
What type of post-treatment care is required after getting a composite filling?
Composite fillings are cured with light at your dentist’s office. You should be able to return to normal activity and oral care immediately after your visit. It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following treatment, but sensitivity that persists beyond a week should be reported to your dentist.
