What does a metal dental crown treat?

A metal dental crown, like all dental crowns, is a cover or cap your dentist puts on your tooth to help restore the tooth to its normal shape, size and function.

Metal dental crowns are used to treat several conditions. For instance, you may need a metal dental crown if you:

• have a cavity that is too large for a filling;
• have a missing tooth that needs a bridge;
• need to cover a dental implant;
• have a tooth that is cracked, worn down or otherwise weakened;
• have had root canal treatment; the crown helps protect the restored tooth;
• want to cover a discolored or badly-shaped tooth and improved your smile.

To decide on what material for your crown, your dentist considers the tooth location, the position of the gum tissue and your personal preference.

A metal dental crown can be used to treat any significant loss of tooth structure. The metal dental crown replaces and restores the tooth to the ideal size, shape, structure and function. Examples of conditions that might cause you to need a dental crown include: tooth decay, fractured or chipped teeth, broken or leaking fillings, root canals, and worn or damaged biting surfaces.

The option for you to use a metal dental crown might be recommended by your dentist due to the location of the tooth, previous history of dental restorations or tooth grinding, amount of biting force on the tooth and the amount of tooth structure remaining after the initial condition is diagnosed and treated.

Metal crowns can have a very long lifespan in your mouth if you maintain them well and visit your dentist regularly for thorough exams and cleanings. If you are considering a metal crown to restore your damaged tooth, be sure to ask your dentist about the benefits of this type of dental restoration.