Dental crowns can help strengthen teeth that have had fractures or have large areas of decay or fillings. This procedure is also important post root canal treatment to help protect the tooth from fracturing post root canal treatment. Regardless, choosing the right time to get a crown is very important. Equally so, patients should consider all their treatment options and whether a filling will do for now–and what else they can do to protect their teeth.
Talk to your dentist to discuss which restorative options are best for you and your tooth, be it a crown or filling.
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Related Post: 4 Common Reasons You May Need A Dental Filling
Why is a Dental Crown Needed?
Typically, a dental crown is needed to treat a broken or largely decayed tooth. The dental crown procedure is a great alternative when filling the tooth won’t do enough. The crown can help to protect the tooth from further breaks or decay. Crowns can help you maintain a healthy bite and smile. A crown can help ensure the remaining healthy tooth structure of your natural tooth is protected.
Dental crowns can have great longevity and last over 10 years on the right well cared for tooth. Poor oral health practices can result in premature crown failure as the margin where the crown meets the tooth is still susceptible to decay. This procedure aims to prolong the longevity of your natural teeth and great oral hygiene can help give your crown the best chance for lasting as long as possible.
Who Would Need a Dental Crown?
Any dental injuries that crack or fracture a large portion of a tooth can be an indicator that your tooth may need a crown. Teeth with large fillings that have broken or have new decay may also require a crown. Teeth with large areas of decay may also need a crown.
Keep in mind that a dental crown is not always possible. The dental crown procedure requires a sufficient amount of natural tooth left. If the tooth structure is lacking, a filling might still be an option your dentist may discuss to restore the tooth.
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Many types of dental crowns exist, with each being composed of different materials. Some examples include:
- Gold and Metal crowns,
- Porcelain crowns,
- Composite resin crowns,
- Porcelain fused to metal crown , and
- All ceramic dental crowns.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are the most common choices these days. These two materials provide a natural tooth look. But, depending on your bite and many other factors your dentist may recommend a gold or metal fused to porcelain crown..
What Happens During Dental Crown Procedure
Firstly your tooth is numbed with local anesthetic and the tooth prepared for crowning. Impressions are then taken and the crown made. The dental crown is then cemented to the prepared tooth core of your natural tooth. This procedure can happen over 1 or 2 appointments depending on the crown type you choose.
If your crown treatment is being done over 2 appointments between appointments a temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth while the crown is being made (usually for about 2 weeks).
Related Post: How Does A Dental Crown Work?
How to Care for Your New Dental Crown?
Listen to your dentist and follow all post-op instructions. For best results, stick to food items that are soft and not sticky. Brush and floss daily.If your dental crown comes off or fractures contact your dentist immediately and seek immediate treatment to reduce risks of complications.Be quick to re-crown exposed teeth that have lost a crown and seek immediate help for any visible damage to your crown.
Dental Crown Procedures Today
Dental crowns are a routine procedure in any dentist’s office. Patients should not fear this treatment option. It can restore your bite and smile for many years. Many dental crowns can last for 10 to 15 years.
Do you need a dental crown? Consult with us today!