Dental crowns are incredibly adaptable when it comes to restoring your smile; they can be used to address a variety of cosmetic issues as well as strengthen teeth that have been cracked or decayed.
These straightforward caps can hold a dental implant or bridge in place, protect a decaying or fractured tooth, or even improve the appearance of a discoloured tooth. The longevity of crowns is one of their main advantages; with proper maintenance, new crowns can last for many years.
Unfortunately, getting a crown can be frightening for some people. However, it doesn’t have to be, let’s look at what you can expect when you’re getting a dental crown.
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are caps that are affixed to broken teeth. When fillings are ineffective, crowns are utilized to protect, cover, and restore the contour of your teeth. Metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics can all be used to create dental crowns.
Over time, they usually only need regular oral hygiene and no extra maintenance. Crowns are created to resemble natural teeth closely. Therefore, placing a crown will either maintain or significantly improve your smile.
Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
Dental crowns are the solution to more than one problem with your teeth. They are frequently recommended because a dental crown is often the best option for extending the life of a tooth for years to come.
Protecting a Weak Tooth
Dental crowns can be used to protect a weak or decayed tooth from breaking, as well as to keep a cracked tooth together. It‘s strongly advised to get a crown in these cases. When a tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, it’s important to have it repaired so that you don’t get an infection.
Decaying Tooth
If a tooth has decayed to the point where it is affecting neighbouring teeth, a dental crown can prevent bacteria from spreading to other areas of the mouth.
Dental Implant
After dental implant surgery, the next step is to place a dental implant crown. The crown rests on top of the implant, and together, they create a dental restoration that mimics the appearance, feel, and functionality of a real tooth.
Large Fillings
Some older fillings are too big and are therefore not secure. In this situation, your dentist might think about replacing the filling with a dental crown because it would look better and give the tooth more strength.
What to Expect
A dental crown typically requires two visits to the dentist.
First Visit
Your dentist will first use an anesthetic to numb your mouth, before preparing the tooth for the crown. For the crown to fit properly after being placed, they will remove any decal and shave down the tooth.
After that, your dentist will take a mould or scan of your prepared tooth. You will leave the office with a temporary crown covering your tooth while the impression is sent to the dental lab to be made into a crown.
Second Visit
Your dentist will take off the temporary crown at the second appointment and examine the permanent crown’s fit and colour. If everything is okay, the tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic before the new crown is firmly attached.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Crown
Maintaining a crown is very similar to maintaining natural teeth. Your crown can last for many years if you take care of them.
- Keep up your dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing daily.
- Avoid sticky & hard foods. Hard foods can break down your crown and sticky foods can weaken or loosen it.
- Your teeth are not tools. Biting your nails and using your teeth to open bottle caps are bad habits that can wreck your dental crowns.
- Use a night guard. A lot of people grind their teeth unknowingly while they sleep. A night guard protects your crown from being worn down over time.
- Visit your dentist regularly. It’s crucial to have regular checkups and cleanings every six months to maintain the health of both the supporting tooth and the gums that surround the crown.
Problems to Watch Out For
Sensitivity
As the anesthesia starts to wear off soon after the procedure, your newly-crowned tooth might be sensitive. You might experience some heat and cold sensitivity if the tooth that has been restored with a crown still contains a nerve. Your dentist might advise using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth when brushing your teeth.
When you experience pain or sensitivity when biting down, the crown is likely too high on the tooth, call your dentist if this happens. They can solve the issue pretty quickly.
Chips
Sometimes, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal crowns will chip. If the chip is small, it can be fixed with composite resin while the crown is still in place in your mouth. Typically, this is a temporary solution. The crown might need to be replaced if the chipping is severe.
Loosening
Sometimes the cement beneath the crown washes out. This not only makes it possible for the crown to come loose but also makes it possible for bacteria to enter and decay the remaining tooth. Contact your dentist’s office if a crown feels flimsy.
Dental Crowns in Bond Head
We’re here to give you the bright, healthy smile you deserve and to empower you to take charge of your oral health. Book an appointment online today to learn more about dental crowns and how they can help restore your smile with Hill Top Dental Centre.
