If a large amount of any given tooth or an area of teeth have been damaged to the point where they need to be fully replaced, crowns and bridges are one of the most cost-efficient and long-lasting options on the market.
If a large amount of any given tooth or an area of teeth have been damaged to the point where they need to be fully replaced, crowns are one of the most cost-efficient and long-lasting options on the market.
Many patients confuse crowns with bridges; although there are similarities, each restoration is used for a different purpose. You can rest easy knowing that the elite team of dental experts here at Essentially Pure Dentistry is here to help you get the smile you have always dreamed of.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns restore teeth to normal form and function. The restorations are used for a variety of applications. A crown can cover and secure a tooth that has badly decayed, cracked or chipped. A darkened or discolored tooth that doesn’t respond to whitening treatments will look bright, smooth and polished after a crown is added. A crown can also shore up a tooth that is vulnerable after root canal therapy.
Dental Crown Benefits
Today’s crowns are beautiful and blend in seamlessly with natural teeth. The porcelain material used to construct tooth-colored crowns is strong and can withstand normal biting and chewing forces. Covering a damaged or worn tooth with a crown also prevents it from sustaining further damage.
Candidates for Crowns
You may be a candidate for treatment with a dental crown if you have a tooth that is decayed, badly damaged or excessively worn. Another scenario in which you may benefit from a dental crown is if you are replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant post.
Dental Crown Placement Details
Dental crowns usually require two dental visits. During the first visit, Dr. Pearson prepares the tooth receiving the crown by removing decayed or damaged tooth structure. Then, she creates an impression of the tooth, which is sent to the dental laboratory that constructs the crown.
A temporary crown covers the affected tooth while the permanent crown is being made. Once the crown is ready, the second visit takes place. Dr. Pearson removes the temporary crown and fits the permanent crown into place. She checks its fit and color and can make any last-minute adjustments that are required. If you and Dr. Pearson are happy with the look and feel of your crown, she cements it into place. Dr. Pearson finishes by polishing the crown so it gleams like your surrounding natural teeth.
Aftercare
Once in place, your crown does not require any special care above and beyond how you care for the rest of your teeth. You should be diligent about brushing and flossing your teeth daily, paying special attention to the area around the crown where the gum meets the tooth. To avoid cracking or damaging your crown, Dr. Pearson strongly recommends you do not bite down on hard items like shells or popcorn kernels.
Dental Crowns Frequently Asked Questions
What types of crowns are available?
Crowns can be made from several types of materials. Metal crowns have been used for centuries; though strong, metal crowns are aesthetically unsightly, conduct hot and cold temperatures easily and can be problematic for patients with metal sensitivities. Porcelain- fused-to-metal crowns have a metal base with a porcelain overlay. They are made to look like natural teeth, but over time can show metal around the edges of the crown.
Dr. Pearson and her patients prefer all-porcelain crowns, which are beautiful, lifelike and strong. The risk of chipping or cracking a porcelain crown is low, and there is no risk of reactivity for people with metal allergies.
Can dental crowns replace a missing tooth or tooth that needs to be pulled?
When a tooth is too damaged or is completely missing, we recommend a full dental implant and crown. By doing this, we can easily stop any more damage being done to the rest of your mouth while ensuring the durability and overall aesthetic of all of your teeth. We start by fully removing the damaged area and cleaning the affected zones. This ensures that the decay or damage is fully removed before we add your new crown.
We then prepare the site by implanting a dental implant that rests in your tooth’s natural socket to create the perfect angle and line for your jaw. We then add a custom-made crown to the top of that dental implant to perfectly match the rest of your teeth. Your crown will be a perfect match both in color and in size to your natural teeth, making it all but unrecognizable from your natural teeth.
How long will a dental crown last?
Dental crowns can last up to 15 years with good oral hygiene. If you want your crown to last as long as possible, avoid using your teeth to open bottles or packages, do not bite your fingernails and avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. If you grind or clench at night, wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your crowns from the pressure.
Are there any alternatives to dental crowns?
It depends how severe your dental decay or damage is. If a tooth is only slightly chipped or cracked, less-invasive treatment alternatives, like dental bonding or the placement of a porcelain veneer, can improve the appearance of the tooth. If a tooth has mild decay, it may be restored with a filling or an inlay or onlay. However, most dentists don’t recommend dental crowns unless you really need it.
Contact Essentially Pure Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
If you have a badly damaged or decayed tooth, restoring it with a crown may be your best option. Learn more about dental crowns treatment by requesting a consultation with Dr. Andie Pearson today.