A crown is a cap or cover that your dentist can place over a tooth.
A crown restores the natural shape, size, and function of a damaged or missing tooth. A crown can safeguard the tooth or improve its appearance.
Reasons for getting a dental crown:
- When there isn’t enough natural tooth structure left, support a tooth with a large filling.
- Replace lost teeth with a bridge.
- Avoid shattering a weak tooth.
- Restore a broken tooth
- Cover a tooth that is crooked or discolored.
- Pay for a dental implant
What material is your crown composed of?
Crowns can be constructed of a variety of materials. Metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and composite resins are all possibilities. When a crown is constructed, the material is commonly tooth-colored to match your natural teeth.
You want your crown to look natural and to fit snugly in your mouth. Many aspects will be considered by you and your dentist when deciding the material to utilize for your crown, including:
- the position and function of the teeth
- the gum tissue’s position
- the amount of tooth that appears when you smile
- the amount of tooth that appears when you smile
The Procedure for Placing a Crown
Typically, the procedure is completed over the course of two dental visits. The placing of a crown over a natural tooth involves several steps:
- Your dentist prepares the tooth for the crown by removing the outer area, including any decay. If more dental structure is required to support the crown, your dentist may build up the tooth’s core.
- An impression is taken of your teeth in order to make an exact model of it. An impression can be created via a mold or by digitally scanning the teeth.
- A temporary crown is inserted to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being produced. The permanent crown is normally completed in less than two weeks. While you are wearing a temporary crown, your tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. During this time, avoid chewing gum and consuming sticky foods. You may be able to acquire your permanent crown on the same day if your dentist has specific equipment.
- When the permanent crown is complete, your dentist will place it in your mouth and make any required changes. The crown is put into place once you and your dentist are satisfied with how it looks and feels.
Caring for your Crowns
Crowns, like natural teeth, can break. Furthermore, the tooth beneath the crown can still develop cavities. To avoid cavities or damage to your crown, follow these steps:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day. Look for dental care products that have the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which indicates that they fulfill ADA safety and effectiveness standards.
- Chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard items, such as pencils, should be avoided, especially if you have tooth-colored crowns.
Make an appointment with Forestwood Dental for Crown placement and regular exams with professional teeth cleanings.