Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

May 01, 2021

Over time, it’s natural for your teeth to get damaged. Common causes for tooth damage include tooth decay, lifestyle, injury, old age, and much more. Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions for damaged teeth, such as dental crowns, tooth extractions, dental fillings, root canals, and inlays and onlays.

Depending on the degree of tooth damage, your dentist can recommend these or other dental procedures. If your tooth is only misshaped, broken, chipped, or discolored, your dentist may advise you to place a crown on the tooth.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over the damaged tooth to improve its appearance and functionality and to protect it from further damage. The crown is cemented on your tooth to cover it.

Getting a dental crown is easy and straightforward. No surgery is required, and in some cases, it can be completed in a single visit to the dental office.

Westwood Dental Group offers tooth crown treatments near you. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Benefits of a Dental Crown

  • Improves the appearance of a discolored tooth.
  • Improves the function of a damaged tooth.
  • Strengthens a weak tooth.
  • Hides a malformed tooth.
  • Covers a dental implant or filling.
  • Holds a dental bridge in place.
  • Restores your ability to chew and speak fluently.

Who Needs a Dental Crown?

Your dental professional may suggest that you get a dental crown if you have the following dental issues:

  • A discolored tooth.
  • A malformed tooth.
  • A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth.
  • A weak tooth.
  • A severely decayed tooth.

To know whether a crown is fit for your condition, visit your dentist for an oral examination. During the examination, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and take X-rays. After studying your condition, your dentist can offer a suitable solution.

If you’re confirmed for a dental crown, you’ll be scheduled for the procedure.

Dental Crown Procedure

The dental crown procedure is quick and easy, with minimal discomfort. Depending on the technology your dentist has, you may have a same-day or a multi-day procedure.

Multi-Day Procedure

This is the most common procedure for dental crowns and involves visiting your dentist’s office twice. Here is what to expect:

  • Your dentist will take X-rays of your damaged tooth.
  • Your dentist will clean the tooth to prepare it for the crown.
  • The damaged tooth will be filed down by removing parts of the outer surface.
  • A mold of the shaped tooth and the neighboring teeth will be taken.
  • The mold is taken to the lab for the preparation of the permanent crown.
  • The dentist will put a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it from damage.
  • You’ll be sent home as you wait for the permanent crown. This may take a week or two.
  • During the second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown in place.

Is it Painful?

If you’re wondering whether the crown treatment procedure is painful, it’s not. However, it’s normal to feel a little discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed by painkillers.

Since getting a crown is a standard procedure, recovery is very quick. You should be able to get back to your normal routine by the next day.

Caring for your Crown

Getting a crown doesn’t mean that your teeth are protected against all dental problems. A crowned tooth can still develop cavities under the crowns. So, proper dental care is important both for the crowned tooth and the rest of the teeth.

Here are some tips to ensure optimal oral health:

  • Brush at least twice a day.
  • Floss regularly.
  • Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings.
  • Avoid harsh dental products.
  • Avoid sugary foods and drinks. They can increase the risk of developing cavities under the crowns.
  • Avoid colored foods and drinks. They can easily stain the crown.
  • Avoid hard food. Since a crown isn’t as strong as your natural tooth, it can easily fall out, crack, or break.

Ready for a dental crown procedure? Contact Westwood Dental Group today to book your appointment today.

 

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