Summary
A dental crown, often called a cap, is a common restorative treatment used to strengthen and protect a damaged tooth. You might wonder what to expect if you’ve been recommended for a dental crown.
Modern crowns offer a natural appearance, blending seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Porcelain crowns are particularly known for their lifelike look.
Dental crowns are designed to withstand the rigors of daily life. Getting a dental crown can be a day’s procedure for a temporary crown.
With proper care, they can last at least 10 years or even longer. Let’s break down the process step-by-step.
Understanding the Need for a Dental Crown
Before delving into the process, it’s essential to understand why a dental crown might be necessary. Dental crowns are typically recommended in the following situations:
Tooth decay occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth, leading to cavities that weaken the enamel. When a cavity becomes too large for a filling, it can weaken the tooth structure. A crown reinforces the tooth, preventing fractures and potential tooth loss.
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Fractured or Broken Tooth:
A fractured or broken tooth can result from injury, grinding, or biting down on something hard. A significant chip or crack can compromise the tooth’s integrity. A crown restores the tooth’s shape, function, and appearance, protecting it from further damage.
Teeth can weaken due to large fillings, root canal treatments, or natural wear over time. A weak tooth is more susceptible to fractures, and a dental crown can provide the necessary reinforcement. By covering the tooth completely, a crown offers protection, allowing you to maintain normal chewing and biting functions.
Severe tooth discoloration that cannot be corrected with whitening treatments may require a dental crown. Crowns are custom-made to have the closest color of your surrounding teeth, offering a solution that not only covers the discoloration but also blends seamlessly with your natural smile, enhancing the overall aesthetics.
Dental implants replace missing teeth with artificial roots anchored in the jawbone. A dental crown is then placed on top of the implant to mimic the appearance and function of a natural tooth. Crowns provide a strong, long-lasting restoration, completing the implant process and restoring your smile’s full functionality.
Types of Dental Crowns
Ceramic dental crowns are the closest to appearing like real tooth enamel. They are a good choice for people with metal reactions. Zirconium dioxide is one of the most popular materials for ceramic dental crowns.
Dentists create dental crowns using various metals, such as nickel, chromium, silver, and gold. Because metal crowns have a metallic finish, some patients don’t favor them for visible front teeth. Metal crowns only require a small amount of enamel removal and can withstand hard biting and chewing forces.
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Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns
These are a mix of porcelain and metal dental crowns. You get the strength of metal for durability and the natural look of porcelain for aesthetics. Dentists can match the crown’s color to your existing teeth. They’re strong, long-lasting, and suitable for front and back teeth. The porcelain can chip, revealing the metal underneath. Plus, they can put extra pressure on your opposing teeth over time.
Over the years, this traditionally popular material has become less favored over other high-quality materials for dental crowns. Although durable, acrylic resin crowns are mainly used for temporary prosthetic devices due to the low cost and quick creation time.
The Complete Process of Dental Crowns
Your journey toward a dental crown begins with a comprehensive examination at a trusted dentist in Prairie Village, KS. Your dental professional will assess the condition of your tooth, discuss your treatment options, and answer any questions you may have. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the tooth’s structure and surrounding bone.
Before placing a crown, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing an enamel layer. This process, known as tooth reduction, creates a foundation for the crown to fit securely. The number of teeth removed depends on the crown type and the extent of damage. Local anesthesia is typically administered to ensure comfort during this procedure.
Your dentist will take scans of your teeth to create a custom-fitted crown. These impressions help to create a model of your teeth and send it to a dental laboratory to fabricate the crown. Digital impressions are also available for a more comfortable and accurate process.
You’ll be fitted with a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth, while you receive your permanent crown. When your permanent cap or crown is ready, you won’t need your temporary acrylic crown. Taking good care of your temporary crown is essential to avoid any dislodgement.
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Cementation of the Permanent Crown
Once the permanent crown arrives from the dental laboratory, your dentist will replace the temporary crown with the new one, check its fit, and make any needed adjustments. The crown takes place using a special dental cement. A strong bond between the crown and the tooth is crucial for the crown’s longevity.
Avoid biting down on excessively hard objects like nuts, ice, or hard candy to prevent chipping or breakage. Maintain optimal oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor your crown’s condition and address potential issues promptly.
Takeaway
- Be mindful of what you bite into to prevent damage to your crown. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels. You can avoid the initial stress on the crown by chewing or biting food on the other side.
- Schedule routine dental exams to monitor the condition of your crown and address any potential issues early on. Regular cleanings and professional examinations help prevent complications and ensure the longevity of your crown.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. By preventing tooth decay and gum disease, you can increase the longevity of your crown.
- If you grind your teeth, a nightguard can help protect your crown from excessive wear. Get the best dental crowns treatment for Dental Crowns in Kansas City at Cope Dentistry.
