FAQ: Dental Crowns

Dr. Shawn Tokunaga, DDS

Arlington Heights Skilled Restorative Dentist

WHAT ARE DENTAL CROWNS?

For many reasons, your teeth can get damaged over time. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is made to fit over a tooth. When cemented into place, a dental crown fully encases the entire portion of a tooth that is visible above the gum line. A dental crown helps restore a tooth’s shape, size, and strength while restoring its natural look.

WHY WOULD I NEED A DENTAL CROWN?

Dental crowns may be needed for any of the following reasons:

• To restore a severely worn down or broken tooth
• To protect a weak (possibly decayed) tooth to ensure that it will not break or crack
• To cover an extremely discolored or misshapen tooth
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To cover a tooth that has experienced a root canal treatment or a dental implant
• To cover a tooth that needs extra support due to a large filling without much natural tooth material remaining

WHAT TYPES OF CROWNS ARE AVAILABLE?

• Porcelain Crowns – This type of crown provides the most natural look and is typically used on front teeth. Dr. Tokunaga will match the crown’s porcelain material to your surrounding teeth in size, shape, and color for a flawless natural look. No metal is used for this type of crown, making it ideal for people with metal allergies.
• Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns – Like the porcelain crown, this type of crown will be matched to the surrounding teeth. However, the interior metal structure provides additional protection and strength to the tooth for a more durable crown. These are typically used on side and back teeth.
• Metal Crowns – Crowns made of metals include alloys with a high content of gold or platinum. Metal crowns probably last the longest in terms of wear as they withstand biting and chewing forces well. Metallic crowns rarely chip or break, but the main drawback is the high price point of gold and metallic color. Metal crowns are an excellent choice for molars in the back of the mouth.
• Temporary vs. Permanent Crowns – During the initial appointment, a temporary crown will be made right here in Dr. Tokunaga’s Arlington Heights dental office. The temporary crown will be attached to the tooth, and the permanent crown will be ordered from a dental laboratory. Temporary crowns are typically made from an acrylic-based material and will last the week it takes for your permanent crown to arrive.

At his office in Arlington Heights, IL, Dr. Tokunaga focuses on aesthetic and functional restorations that work with the structure and biology of your mouth. If you are looking for a highly-skilled restorative dentist in Arlington Heights, contact Dr. Tokunaga today.