All You Need to Know About Getting a Dental Crown

Are you experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity? Do you have a chipped or cracked tooth that needs repair? If so, getting a dental crown may be the solution to your problem. Dental crowns are versatile and durable restorations that can help restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged or decayed tooth. The crown is custom-made to fit your tooth's size, shape, and color so that it looks and feels natural. Dental crowns are usually made from materials such as porcelain, resin, metal alloys, or ceramic.

When is a Dental Crown Necessary?

A dental crown is necessary to restore a tooth that has been severely damaged or decayed. In cases where a filling would not be sufficient, a crown can provide added strength and protection to the remaining tooth structure.

Crowns are also used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, discolored, or have large fillings. They can help create a more even smile and boost confidence in one's appearance.

In addition, crowns may be recommended after root canal treatment as it weakens the tooth and makes it more susceptible to fracture. The crown helps protect the treated tooth from further damage while restoring its functionality.

If you have experienced significant damage or decay on one of your teeth, consult with your dentist about whether a dental crown is necessary for restoration and prevention of future problems.

The Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown

The process of getting a dental crown typically takes two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will numb the area around your tooth and prepare it for the crown by filing it down or building up any missing parts. Then, they will take an impression of your tooth and send it off to a lab where your custom-made crown will be fabricated.

While you wait for your permanent crown to be made, you may be given a temporary one to wear in order to protect your tooth. This temporary crown is usually made out of acrylic resin and is not as strong as the permanent one.

Once your permanent crown is ready, you'll return for a second appointment, where the dentist will remove the temporary one and fit you with the new one. They'll make sure that it fits properly and matches well with surrounding teeth before cementing it into place.

Getting a dental crown is generally considered a painless procedure thanks to local anesthesia options available today. Your newly crowned tooth should look natural and function just like any other healthy tooth in your mouth!

Aftercare for Your Dental Crown

Once you've received your dental crown, it's important to take proper care of it to ensure its longevity. The following tips can help keep your crown in good condition:

Firstly, make sure to maintain a regular oral hygiene routine consisting of brushing twice daily and flossing once a day. This will prevent any buildup of plaque or bacteria around the crown, which could lead to decay.

Secondly, avoid chewing on hard foods such as ice or hard candy, as this can cause damage to the crown or even dislodge it entirely.

Thirdly, if you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), speak with your dentist about using a mouth guard while sleeping. Grinding can put excessive pressure on the crowns leading them to crack and fail over time.

Fourthly, visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings so that they can monitor the health of your teeth and spot any issues with the crown early on.

If you're looking for even more information, feel free to schedule a consultation with us! We'd love to meet with you and discuss your oral health needs in more detail. To learn more about our practice and team, visit our website at https://www.davidpowelldds.com/ or call us at (801) 266-1414.