Our experienced team is committed to offering you state of the art solutions to enhance your oral health and give you the smile you deserve.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-sized cap that is placed over a tooth that may have been decayed, damaged, weak, or misshapen. This is often required following a root canal procedure where the tooth needs to be protected and reinforced. Dental crowns are used for both cosmetic dentistry and dental restoration purposes. They can also be used on an artificial tooth attached to dental implants or on adjacent teeth to support a dental bridge.
As a protective cover, dental crowns not only enhance the appearance and strength of the tooth but can also help with chewing and speech difficulties associated with tooth damage or loss. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, resin, or ceramic, depending on the patient’s needs.
Why Would I Need a Crown?
1. Natural Tooth Restoration
Dental crowns are an excellent solution for tooth damage resulting from severe tooth decay or fractured teeth. They work by acting as a “cap” for the damaged tooth, effectively restoring the tooth’s natural structure and providing the necessary strength for normal function.
2. Protection Against Further Decay
Dental crowns not only restore damaged teeth but also serve as a shield against further decay. This makes them a particularly effective solution in cases of extensive decay where deep fillings might not be enough. After removing the decayed portion of the tooth, a dental crown is placed over the remaining tooth structure.
3. Aesthetic Improvement
Aside from the functional benefits, dental crowns also offer significant cosmetic advantages. For individuals coping with discolored or misshapen teeth, crowns can provide an immediate improvement. They are designed to mirror the color, shape, and size of natural teeth, resulting in a more consistent and attractive smile.
4. Versatility
Dental crowns are highly versatile and can be used alongside other dental solutions. They can be used as abutment teeth for dental bridges, giving support to the prosthetic tooth in the gap between teeth. Crowns also play a significant role in dental implant procedures, acting as the visible portion of the tooth replacement.
What to Expect
1. Initial Exam
The process begins with an initial consultation at our office. Our team will conduct a thorough examination to determine the presence of any broken, weak, or decayed teeth that might require a crown as well as discuss your concerns and priorities.
2. Treatment Plan
We will develop a customized treatment plan to review with you and address each of your questions. This plan might include additional tooth structure or adjacent teeth therapy. We will also share options with you, including ideal material like a ceramic crown, gold crown, or a crown with a metal substructure.
3. Initial Procedure
Upon finalizing the treatment plan with you, we will schedule a time to begin preparing the tooth structure, possible crown lengthening for a proper fit, and placement of a temporary crown. We utilize digital scan technology for precise mapping of the real tooth, sending the data to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of the permanent crown.
4. Permanent Crown Placement
Once the permanent crown is ready, a second appointment will be scheduled to remove the temporary crown, insert the permanent crown, and check for fit and comfort. We may make some adjustments to ensure that the crown fits perfectly on your tooth before using dental cement to permanently bond the crown to your tooth. This process typically takes about 5-10 minutes, and you should feel little or no discomfort during this time.
Once the cement has fully hardened, the dentist will check your bite to make sure it feels natural and does not interfere with your other teeth. Any necessary adjustments will be made before polishing the crown to give it a smooth finish.
5. Post Placement Care
After getting your permanent crown placed, it is essential to take good care of it to ensure longevity.
Here are some tips to follow:
Schedule regular cleaning with us to ensure the crown is in good condition.
Avoid chewing on hard foods or objects, such as ice or pens.
Brush your teeth regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria.
Floss around the crowned tooth gently to remove any food particles that may get stuck between the crown and the adjacent teeth.