When your dentist has to perform a root canal, you will lose the upper part of the tooth thus removed. You might think that if the tooth in question is at the back of your mouth, there is no need for a crown and that you can save yourself some money by opting not to have a crown. Not only will a crown help in chewing food, but it will protect what is left of your tooth against further decay. Thus, if you want to avoid getting an infection down in your gums, a crown is not optional. The type of crown you receive, however, is. 

The Porcelain Crown

When you replace a tooth, your first concern should be preserving the function of your tooth. You want something that will protect the root underneath, prevent surrounding teeth from moving and destabilizing your bite, and withstand the pressures of chewing. A second concern is that your crown preserve the look of your natural teeth. A porcelain crown can be made to match the color and look of your natural teeth, but porcelain is not the most durable substance. Thus, you will need to avoid hard foods like corn nuts and hard candies to make sure that your porcelain crown does not break under pressure.

The Metal Crown

The most durable type of crown you can buy is a metal crown. Such a crown will be made of gold, stainless steel, or an alloy of metals. The main advantage of metal crowns is that they can last for decades. While they are the most durable kind of crown you can buy, having a gold or silver-colored crown right at the front of your mouth mars your smile. Thus, metal crowns are typically recommended for the back of your mouth. 

Metal with a Porcelain Overlay

A crown made completely out of porcelain is the most expensive option on the market, and while metal is less expensive, it does not have the same aesthetic appeal. A good compromise on aesthetics and cost is to opt for a metal crown with a porcelain overlay. You thus get a crown that is less expensive than full porcelain, more durable than plain porcelain, and more appealing than full metal.

When it comes time to choose the crown placed after a root canal, make sure you talk over your options with a dentist at offices like Minnesota  Lakes Dental. Know your options so that you can make an informed choice. 

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