Are you missing a tooth, or do you have a problem tooth? A dental crown may be the solution!
More than 15 Million Americans have dental crowns or bridges to restore missing, broken or otherwise damaged teeth. Depending on the source of your problem tooth, you may benefit from a dental crown too. If you are thinking of getting a dental crown, here are seven important things you need to know.
1. What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a fixed prosthetic attached to a tooth or implant by a cosmetic dentist. In other words, it is a cover or “cap” for your tooth that looks and feels just like your natural teeth.
To place a dental crown, your dentist first fills cavities, performs a root canal, or otherwise treats dental problems affecting the tooth. Next, your dentist files and removes some of the outer layer of the tooth so that the crown fits between the neighboring teeth. Your dentist then makes a mold of the trimmed tooth and surrounding teeth, and sends the impression to a dental lab. There, technicians will create a crown that matches your other teeth. Your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown to protect the tooth. When your crown is ready, you will return to your dentist, who will cement the crown onto the prepared tooth.
2. Why use a dental crown?
Your dentist may recommend a dental crown to restore the shape and size of a tooth, or to encase a broken or cracked tooth permanently. A dentist may place a crown on a tooth after filling a very large cavity, or after performing a root canal to save a tooth. A dental crown can also improve your smile.
3. There are different types of dental crowns
There are several types of dental crowns, each made from a different material and having different properties. These crowns include:
Metal crowns – made from copper and other metals, these crowns are strong and durable
Stainless steel crowns – extremely durable
Porcelain crowns – natural looking
Resin crowns – often used as a temporary measure to protect a tooth
Ceramic crowns – natural looking
4. Dental crowns can last a lifetime
If you take care of them, your dental crowns can last for decades – even for your lifetime! The longevity of your dental crowns depends on how well you engage in good oral hygiene practices, the type of crown you choose, and how much wear and tear your crown endures.
5. Common dental crown issues
Most people enjoy their dental crowns for years without a problem, but some patients can experience issues. Common dental crown issues include discomfort and sensitivity, loss of a crown, and even allergic reaction.
6. When should you replace an existing crown?
While crowns can last a lifetime, there are certain circumstances in which you should replace an existing crown. Your dentist may recommend replacing a crown that:
- Shows excessive wear
- Becomes cracked or damaged
- Becomes discolored to the point that they no longer match your other teeth
- Shows signs of tooth decay forming around the edges of the crown
7. Best candidates for dental crowns
The best candidates for a dental crown have a broken, cracked, discolored, misshapen or decayed tooth that they would like to save, and there is enough tooth left to support a crown.
Dental crowns are the perfect solution for many people, but some people are not good candidates to receive dental crowns. Those with major tooth decay or damage may not have enough of the tooth left to support a dental crown, for example. Your dentist can help you determine if you are a good candidate for dental crowns.
For dental crowns that look great, function like natural teeth, and last a lifetime, you can count on Triangle Dentistry. To find out if you are a good candidate for dental crowns, make an appointment with your Raleigh, NC, dentist at Triangle Dentistry.
Triangle Dentistry, located in Raleigh, NC, provides a state-of-the-art facility that offers exceptional general dental and specialty services guided by empathy of a patient’s needs and desires. Services range from dental crowns to veneers and whitening procedures. For further information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at (919) 847-6000