DENTAL CROWNS
The crown of a tooth is the portion that appears above the gumline. It is what we actually see day-to-day when brushing, flossing, and smiling. It is also the part that is most susceptible to damage. Whether it be decay, chips, or cracks, you’ll generally notice this damage in the crown of the tooth. A dental (prosthetic) crown is a replacement for this portion of the tooth. When a tooth has been cracked or otherwise damaged, a dentist may opt for the placement of a dental crown. These prosthetics are made of durable materials and are intended to last for years to come.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A FULL SET OF TEETH
While you might not give it much thought, having all of your teeth is essential to the way your mouth functions, not just the way it looks. A full set of teeth means that you can chew your food thoroughly, and it also reduces the risk of getting food or other bacteria-causing debris stuck between your teeth or below the gumline. Having all of your teeth means that you can speak properly as well. When teeth are missing, especially front teeth, it can be difficult for people to pronounce their words. This can lead to self-esteem issues because not only do these people have missing teeth, but they also may have trouble speaking. Crowns can help reduce the risk of infection and deformity in the mouth, and they can improve eating and speech functions as well.
WHY GET A DENTAL CROWN?
Dental crowns are a popular restoration for solving the problem of missing teeth. Crowns are also a good alternative to veneers when there isn't enough of the tooth to save to adhere the dental veneer to in the first place. Dental crowns look and feel, and function like your real teeth. Some patients opt to have dental crowns placed on all of their teeth to significantly improve the look and feel of their teeth. Crowns can make crooked teeth look straight again without having to get braces. Because crowns can be molded to look like your existing teeth, they are another option for cosmetic dentists to use in improving the look of teeth. If you have stained or yellow teeth, or if you have gray colored teeth from the after-effects of a root canal, a crown may be an ideal choice for restoring the look and function of your tooth or teeth. What's more, dental crowns can save a severely damaged tooth from becoming more damaged, which can prevent infection and tooth loss overall.
THE DENTAL CROWN PROCESS
During your dental consult, your dentist will clean and inspect the tooth or teeth in question. If any issues need resolution, appointments will be scheduled to resolve those problems before the crown is placed. This might include a root canal, filling cavities in surrounding teeth, or having teeth cleaned in preparation for the procedure. X-rays will be taken of the teeth to determine eligibility for a dental crown. In all, receiving a dental crown is a painless procedure. Your dentist will prepare the existing tooth to receive the dental crown, take an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth, and then send the impression to the dental lab to have them build/create a new tooth for you. When the new tooth arrives back at the dental office, you'll have an appointment to have it placed on your tooth. The surface of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned, and the crown will be cemented to the existing tooth. In the case of crowns related to root canal treatments, the inside of the tooth is also filled with cement to prevent further infection from occurring in the future. Once the tooth is "capped," it should remain in place for many years.
CARING FOR DENTAL CROWNS
It is important to treat a dental crown like a natural tooth. This means brushing the crown and flossing around it. This will help to not only ensure the longevity of the crown, but also the health of the surrounding teeth. It is also important to visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. Here, they can examine the crown and ensure there are no issues with the gums, the healthy tooth underneath, or the crown itself.
With proper care, a dental crown can last for decades.
Testimonials
What our patients
have to say
Everyone was very friendly and courteous from the receptionist, Sara and Dr Young
I have been seeing Dr. Leal since I was a child and have never had a negative experience here. Ki ...
Kind, compassionate, prompt care. Would recommend to anyone.