Avoiding the High Cost of a Crown
The science of dental materials has led to the development of new products that in many cases can save you the high-dollar cost of a laboratory crown. This is because these new materials are stronger than the old-style fillings and are relatively as hard as your natural tooth structure.
Since their
introduction a number of years ago, these materials have gone through
remarkable advancements with each version seeming like a new discovery. They now bond to your tooth as strongly as
natural enamel bonds to the underlying dentin.
Based upon very good experience with the newer conservative aesthetic
materials, it is quite obvious that fewer laboratory crowns are necessary at
A crown from a dental lab is fabricated by means of an impression of the tooth that has been shaped by the dentist. This is an excellent service, but if there is a problem, often the only option is a new crown because you cannot go back to a filling. A laboratory crown requires two appointments, but with these newer cosmetic materials only one appointment is needed. It is possible to use these materials to restore your natural tooth without having to place an expensive laboratory crown in your mouth.
The newer materials and techniques, by comparison, are amazingly conservative and less invasive to your tooth. For the most part all that is required is to remove the old filling and the decay, not grind the tooth down to a peg. The tooth is then restored using the new generation materials. The restored tooth will look, feel, and chew very similarly to the original tooth. The option of placing a laboratory crown is still there should it ever be needed.
The old mercury/amalgam fillings are simple to place, but in some cases they seemingly act as a wedge and promote the splitting of the tooth. Maybe this is because these fillings are somewhat malleable. At times a very small gap between the filling and the tooth occurs allowing dissolved food to seep beneath the filling and create decay. A bluish stain of the tooth or surrounding gum that sometimes is evident might be due to the mercury content of these old style fillings.
By contrast, the new materials do not produce a filling in the usual sense. They comprise a restorative system and take on the character of your natural tooth. Reducing the possibility of recurrent decay, fractures, and sensitivity are nice advantages. There is no stain or discoloration of your tooth or “tattoo” of your gum. Several shades of color are available to match or whiten your teeth.
Studying, training, and becoming proficient with the latest cosmetic materials, techniques, and concepts has always been exciting and very stimulating to me. I am pleased to be able to offer these materials in many instances as a substitute for a laboratory crown.
Dr. Warlick has been practicing
dentistry in Wimberley since 1979.
C:Hill Country News – Crown 3