What does a ceramic dental crown treat?

A ceramic dental crown can be used to treat, or at least improve, the following conditions:

• A ceramic crown can be a good choice if you have a tooth that is so broken or damaged by tooth decay that a filling is no longer an option. Because the crown protects the tooth from further decay, this can be a good way to save a tooth and prevent having a tooth extraction by your dentist.

• A ceramic crown can help save your tooth if it is cracked into several pieces.

• If you feel self-conscious about a discolored or strangely shaped tooth, a ceramic crown can cover these problems and restore the look of your natural teeth. Since there is no metal like there would be in a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, your tooth will look healthy and white.

For some people, the choice between an all-ceramic dental crown and metal-containing crowns may be just a matter of what the dentist suggests or what looks nicer. But if you are allergic to the metals used in metal-containing crowns (mercury, silver, tin, or copper), then having the option to use a metal-free crown can be especially helpful.

If you have questions about all-ceramic compared to metal-containing crowns, don't hesitate to ask your dentist. He or she will also be able to talk with you about the pros and cons of each type of crown.