Everything You Need To Know About Dental Crowns and More!
Your Community Dental is the place to go for all general and cosmetic dental work. Whether you are just looking for a routine dentist for your semi-annual dental exams or looking to have complex dental work done, Your Community Dental in Wilmington, North Carolina can help. We work with patients of all ages and are ready to assist you in building your confidence through your smile. We get a lot of questions concerning dental crowns. Dental crowns procedures are very common and are used to resolve a number of different dental issues. Whether it’s a cavity or a broken tooth, a crown might be something to consider. With summer right around the corner, now is the time to get your smile ready to shine bright.
What Is A Dental Crown?
Dental Crowns are a simple procedure for the patient, but also have a lot of complex work behind the scenes. Crowns are just a cap that covers the tooth to help restore the size, shape, strength, and even the overall appearance of your tooth. They can restore a tooth from decay or even hold a dental bridge. Dental crowns are great for restoring the functionality of your tooth while also restoring your confidence. Having confidence in your smile will help you enjoy your summer and boost your overall self-esteem.
Dental crowns can help with a number of things; they help fill large gaps as well as expand the space between teeth. They provide structure to the teeth to help them function properly and extend the lifespan of a tooth. Dental crowns may be needed for someone with a:
- Dental Cavity- Cavities can be painful and very damaging to the tooth and gums. A dental crown can be used to protect the tooth from further damage, relief pain, and remove the damaged portion of the tooth.
- Cracked Tooth- A dental crown can restore the shape of a cracked tooth and protect the tooth from further damage.
- Broken Tooth- If a tooth is broken, then it may be hard to eat and speak normally. A dental crown can help restore functionality while also restoring the appearance of the tooth, ultimately providing protection for your tooth.
- Filling That Needs To Be Replaced- Sometimes, if a tooth has a large filling and there is not a lot of tooth left, a crown will be used to cover and support the tooth and filling.
- Dental Bridge- When a tooth is missing, a dentist may use a dental bridge to close the gap. A crown may also be used to help reduce the space.
- Dental Implant- A crown may be used to help cover a dental implant to restore the look and functionality to that of a normal tooth.
- Root Canal- A dental crown can add protection for a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment.
- Awkward Tooth- A dental crown can be used cosmetically to improve the look of a tooth that may be discolored or misshaped.
What Is a Dental Crown Made Of?
Dental crowns can be made from a few different materials. The material that is most suited for your teeth depends on several factors including where the tooth is located, why the crown is needed, and your budget. Dental crowns can be made with these four materials:
- Ceramics – This type of dental crown looks very natural. It is made with a porcelain base and is a color that blends well with the natural teeth. These crowns are better for teeth that are very visible when you smile because they look so natural. They do well with wear-and-tear, but can be brittle with heavy biting.
- Porcelain Fused to Meta l- These crowns are porcelain and are attached to the tooth with a metal base. The metal base adds strength to the crown making the restoration stronger. They are also great at protecting the tooth from further dental decay and are extremely durable.
- Gold Alloys – They crowns are actually made up of more than just gold; it’s a combination of gold, copper, and other metals. This creates a strong crown that can protect the tooth and will not wear down easily, meaning it is likely to last a very long time. These crowns are great for working with your natural gums.
- Metal Alloys – Metal crowns are strong and durable. They can withstand corrosion and allow for the least amount of natural tooth to be removed. The metal is also very gentle in the mouth, preventing limited damage to your other teeth and gums.
What Are The Steps To Getting A Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are a routine process at Your Community Dental. Most of the time, it only takes two simple visits to get a crown. First, you will need to meet with your dentist to decide which crown will work for you and to go over details of the procedure. You will also want to speak with the front desk to go over the payment requirements and to see what your insurance covers. On the day of the treatment, it will look a lot like this:
- The dentist will numb your mouth
- The dentist will begin to remove the outer portion of the tooth by cutting down the tooth so the crown will fit comfortably
- Any damaged tissue or decay will be removed from the tooth
- An impression of the tooth will be made
- The impression will be used to make crown
- A temporary crown will cover your tooth while your permanent crown is being made
- Within 2 weeks, you will come back for your next visit to finalize the crown placement
- Your mouth will be numbed again
- The dentist will remove the temporary crown
- The tooth will be cleaned
- The permanent crown will be placed
- The crown will set and be isolated
- The dentist will check the fit and you are all set
How Long Will A Crown Last?
Dental crowns usually last between 10 to 30 years. The life span of a dental crown depends on the material used and greatly depends on the dental habits of the individual. To prolong the life of your dental crown make sure to:
- Brush Your Teeth – It’s always the first thing on the list but brushing your teeth is the best way to take care of your teeth and your crowns.
- Avoid Hard Foods – If you regularly bite into hard foods or ice, your crown is at risk of cracking.
- Wear a Mouth Guard – If you are prone to grinding your teeth in your sleep or participate in sports, wearing a mouth guard protects your teeth and your crowns.
- Pick the Best Material for You – There are many choices for which material to use for a dental crown, make sure you talk with your dentist and pick a material that works for your teeth.
Your Community Dental is committed to helping you build confidence in your smile. Whether you need a dental crown to improve the appearance of a discolored tooth or if you have a cavity that needs a dental crown, we are happy to assist you. If you would like to schedule an appointment or have a question please give us a call at 910-342-9210.