Dental Crowns For Restoration
A dental crown is a treatment solution that can be used to resolve a variety of dental issues. The crown of a tooth is the top surface of the tooth that is visible above the gum line. A dental crown is an artificial cover that can be placed over the top of a tooth that is missing a significant amount of tooth structure, often due to damage or decay. It can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth that is not satisfactory in shape or color. The dental professionals at Lawhead Family Dentistry are experienced in using dental crowns to improve damaged, decayed, or cosmetic issues with your teeth.
Types Of Dental Crowns
Dentists today use dental crowns that are made from a variety of materials including metal, porcelain, or ceramic. Most crowns are custom-made in a dental lab in a shade that will match the color of your existing teeth. If the goal of the crown is to improve a cosmetic issue with your smile, a ceramic or porcelain crown may be the best choice. A ceramic crown is vulnerable to wear and staining, but it will blend naturally with your existing teeth. There are benefits of each type of crown that should be considered. When selecting the type of dental crown that is best for you, it comes down to your oral needs and what your dentist thinks is best.
Maintaining A Crown
The best thing you can do to make your new crown last as long as possible is to make sure you are practicing good daily oral hygiene. Just like your natural teeth, brushing and flossing daily helps to remove plaque and prevent cavities from forming at the margin (where the tooth and crown meet) and spreading underneath the crown. With excellent oral hygiene, the life of a crown can be prolonged for many years.
If you are interested in learning more about dental crowns, contact the dental professionals at Lawhead Family Dentistry. Dr. Carlin and Dr. Chris can determine if a crown is a suitable treatment option for you.
Dental Crown Process
Once you and your dentist have decided that a dental crown is a good solution for your dental needs, there are several steps in the process of having your dental crown installed.
- The first step of getting your new crown is having an oral exam to confirm that the damage to the tooth being repaired is above the gum line, and that the root of the gum is healthy and stable. Once your dentist feels confident that an artificial crown is a good solution they will work to prepare the tooth being repaired. In order for the crown to fit, the tooth needs to be reduced in size and shaped, a process that’s called a crown preparation.
- Once your tooth is prepared, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and the nearby teeth. This impression acts as measurements and a mold to be sent to a dental lab, so they can custom-make your crown. Constructing a dental crown takes approximately 2 weeks. While the lab is making the definitive crown, a temporary crown is placed on the tooth to help protect it from damage and help to maintain the function of your mouth while you wait for your crown.
- Once the crown is ready, you will return to your dentist to have the definitive crown fitted. Your dentist will have you approve of appearance of the crown in your mouth before cementing it. Once you approve, the crown will be secured to your old tooth using a dental cement and your tooth will be restored.