A dental crown covers the natural crown of a tooth and is quite versatile. Here is a bit of information about dental crowns and their uses.

Dental Crowns Are Made From a Variety of Substances

Dental crowns may be made from a number of different substances, depending on the needs of the dental patient. Pediatric patients are typically fitted with dental crowns that are fashioned from stainless steel. The stainless steel crowns tend to be inexpensive and effective. Additionally, since crowns for pediatric patients are frequently used to cover the primary teeth, the color of the crowns is less important in the long run. When the pediatric patient sheds a covered primary tooth, the stainless steel crown is also shed. 

Nevertheless, adult patients may prefer crowns that are made of materials that can blend seamlessly with the teeth. The color of porcelain, resin, and porcelain-over-metal crowns can be matched to the color of the patient's other teeth so that the crown looks natural in the mouth. 

If an adult patient does choose a crown that is made of a metal, such as gold, stainless steel, or silver, the crown is likely to be applied to a molar. The positioning of the covered tooth in the rear of the mouth makes it difficult for the color of the crown to be noticed.

Dental Crowns Are Applied for a Variety of Reasons

Dental crowns are widely used in dentistry and may be applied for a variety of reasons. Here are a few of them:

• Cracks and chips. Dental crowns are often used to cover teeth that are cracked or chipped. Each crown fortifies the underlying tooth to prevent the damage from progressing. Additionally, it beautifies the tooth to restore its former appearance.
• Root canal procedures. During a root canal procedure, the pulp of the tooth is removed, and the hollow area is filled. However, the tooth remains unprotected until it is covered by a dental crown.
• Dental bridges. Fixed dental bridges include dental crowns to secure the bridges in the mouth. The crowns fit over the abutment teeth to hold the bridges in place. 
• Dental implants. When a dental implant is installed to replace a single tooth, the implant only replaces the roots of the lost tooth. A dental crown is added to an implant abutment to restore the crown portion of the tooth.

For more information about dental crowns, contact the office of a dentist in your local area to schedule a consultation.