The Benefits of Zirconia Crowns

Crowns are “caps” or covers that are placed over a tooth to restore broken, chipped,
misshapen, decayed, or severely worn down teeth. Placing a custom dental crown, which looks and functions exactly like a normal, healthy tooth may best treat any of these problems.

Here are some reasons you might need a crown:

To support a tooth that has a large filling

When you have a large filling in a tooth, there may not be enough natural tooth structure remaining to support the tooth. If the filling is extremely large, it can cause the tooth to break, making it irreparable. In this case, a crown is the best way to protect the tooth.

Restore a fractured tooth

In the case that your tooth has been chipped or broken without root damage, a crown can protect the nerves and restore normal chewing.

Cover a badly shaped or discolored tooth

A crown can be a great cosmetic tool to cover a discolored or a badly shaped tooth. Severe stains can develop after root canal treatment, with certain medications, or exposure to harmful substances, such as artificial sweeteners and colorants. Depending on your particular situation, I may recommend bonding, veneers, or a crown.

Cover a dental implant

If you’re experiencing tooth loss from an injury or from dental decay, using a crown with a dental implant can successfully replace a single tooth. Dental implants should last a lifetime, and they can also preserve tooth spacing by ensuring that your teeth do not shift after tooth loss. The resulting implant with a crown looks and functions like a natural tooth does, allowing you to chew and smile naturally.

Patients that need a root canal

Studies show that a dental crown following a root canal improves the chance of tooth survival. A dental crown can protect the affected tooth from tooth sensitivity, discoloration, fragility, and possible infections. A durable dental crown is highly recommended in most cases following a root canal.

As your favorite dentist, Dr. Slepak, I will ensure that your crown looks natural and fits comfortably in your mouth, considering the tooth’s location, function, visibility, and the color or shade of the surrounding teeth. I am happy to offer you zirconia crowns, which are some of the best on the market today. Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a very durable type of metal that’s related to titanium, although it’s categorized as a type of ceramic crown.

Here are some of the benefits of zirconia crowns:

Strength

The strength and durability of zirconia is one of its greatest advantages. Zirconia protects against breakage, giving your teeth the force needed to chew and break up food properly.

Longevity

While most crowns can last a good 10 to 15 years, a zirconia crown may last a lifetime. Crowns made of zirconia, called monolithic zirconia crowns, are especially durable, making them very long-lasting.

Safety

Many dental patients may be allergic to the alloys used for the fabrication of PFM crowns, which are made of a combination of porcelain and metal. If you have these allergies, the choice for you is zirconia. Zirconia possesses excellent biocompatibility, making the crowns extremely safe for clinical use inside the mouth. Zirconia is also less likely to provoke the body into producing a reaction or immunological response like inflammation.

If you believe your child might need a crown, please contact my office today to set up an appointment: 718.998.2424. I am Dr. Slepak, your very favorite dentist. My office is located at 2464 Coney Island Ave., Brooklyn NY.