Summary:
A healthy smile is the reflection of a healthy body. It not only brightens your face but also gives you confidence.
However, when teeth become damaged or weakened, even everyday activities like chewing and smiling can become difficult. This is where dental crowns step in. Studies show that more than 15 million people in the U.S. have crowns or bridges to protect and restore their teeth.
For patients in Prairie Village, KS, crowns are not just a means to fix their tooth, but something that gives comfort, function, and a smile. In this article, we will cover:
- Understanding Dental Crowns
- Why Dental Crowns Are Important for Oral Health
- The Procedure for Getting Dental Crowns
Continue reading as we learn more about it in the following sections.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown, also referred to as a ‘cap,’ is designed to cover a damaged tooth, restoring its strength, appearance, shape, and size. Crowns are recommended for various reasons, including tooth decay, cracking, and following root canal therapy.
By covering the tooth, the crown provides an extra layer of protection, acting like a restorative teeth that prevents further deterioration. In this way, dental crowns are not just about aesthetics; they play a vital role in overall Oral Health.
Materials with which Dental Crowns are usually made are:
Metal Crowns
- Made from gold, platinum, or base-metal alloys (like cobalt-chromium, nickel-chromium).
- Very strong and durable.
- They are commonly used for molars because they can withstand heavy chewing forces.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
- The metal base is covered with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain.
- Offers both strength (from metal) and a natural look (from porcelain).
- It can sometimes show a dark line at the gum over time.
All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns
- Made entirely of ceramic or porcelain.
- Best for front teeth because they blend well with natural teeth.
- It is less strong than metal but more aesthetic.
Why Dental Crowns Are Important for Oral Health
Dental crowns offer both practical and cosmetic benefits. Here are some of the primary reasons why they are a useful therapy option:
- Protection Against Deterioration: A crown seals and protects a weaker or partially damaged tooth from additional deterioration.
- Restoration of Structure: A cracked or fractured tooth loses its inherent strength. Crowns restore the tooth’s function and durability by functioning as a reinforcement.
- Long-term Preservation: Crowns provide additional stability for teeth with root canals or large fillings, lowering the chance of fractures.
- Aesthetic Improvement: Dental crowns can be made to match the color and shape of your original teeth, brightening your smile while protecting them.
Investing in the importance of dental crowns benefits both your oral and general wellness.
The Procedure for Getting Dental Crowns
At Prairie Village, the skilled professionals provide you with a seamless and smooth crown placement to ensure their patients’ comfort, which is their top priority. Here is the step-by-step process involved in getting dental crowns:
Initial Consultation and Examination
- The dentist examines your tooth to see if a crown is the right solution.
- X-rays may be taken to check the roots and surrounding bone.
- If there’s severe decay or risk of infection, a root canal treatment might be recommended first.
Tooth Preparation
- The tooth is reshaped to make space for the crown.
- Local anesthesia is usually given to ensure comfort.
- The dentist trims down the tooth’s chewing surface and sides, depending on the type of crown being used.
Impressions (or Digital Scans)
- A mold (impression) of your trimmed tooth and surrounding teeth is taken.
- Some clinics use digital scanners instead of traditional molds for better accuracy.
- This impression helps the dental lab design a crown that fits perfectly.
Temporary Crown Placement
- A temporary crown (usually acrylic or stainless steel) is placed over your tooth to protect it.
- This crown is not permanent; it’s just for protection and appearance until the final one is ready.
Fabrication of the Permanent Crown
- The dental lab creates your custom crown, matching the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth.
- This process usually takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the clinic.
Fitting and Adjustment
- Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist removes the temporary one.
- The permanent crown is checked for proper fit, bite, and comfort.
- Adjustments may be made before cementing.
Permanent Placement
- The dentist cements the crown securely onto your tooth.
- Once bonded, the crown functions like a natural tooth.
Final Checks and Aftercare
- Your bite is checked again to ensure comfort.
- The dentist gives you instructions on caring for your crown, such as maintaining oral hygiene and avoiding very hard foods initially.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
It is crucial to note that dental crowns provide both immediate and long-term benefits:
Durable in Nature: Crowns are composed of tough materials such as porcelain or ceramic, so they can resist regular wear and tear.
Improved Functionality: Dental crowns improve chewing abilities, allowing you to consume food more comfortably and digest food effectively.
Preventing Further Damage: By covering a fragile tooth with a crown, you can avoid the need for more invasive procedures such as tooth extraction or dental implants.
Natural Look and Feel: Modern crowns are meant to mirror the appearance of your natural teeth, ensuring that your smile stays visually appealing.
Caring for Your Dental Crowns
Taking good care of your dental crowns is just as important as caring for your natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing help keep your mouth clean and prevent plaque from building up around the crown. While crowns themselves don’t decay, the natural tooth beneath them can still develop cavities if not properly cared for.
You should be mindful of what you eat as well. Hard or sticky foods such as ice, nuts, or chewy candies can put stress on crowns and even cause them to crack or loosen.
When to Consider Dental Crowns
There may be many conditions when a dental crown might be needed. Here are some of the most common cases:
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: Crowns are necessary for injured teeth, as they cover the fracture and prevent further deterioration.
- Root Canal Aftercare: Following a root canal, the tooth may become brittle and prone to fracture, necessitating the use of a crown to preserve its integrity.
- Severe Tooth Decay: If decay has compromised more than half of the tooth, a crown can protect the remaining structure.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can be used to improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
Consider consulting a dentist in Prairie Village whenever you experience any of these symptoms.
Takeaway
- Dental crowns protect and restore damaged teeth, improving both function and appearance.
- They prevent further damage, making them a long-term solution for oral health.
- With proper care, crowns provide durability and a natural-looking smile.
- Ready to improve your smile with crowns? Let’s help you at Cope Dentistry today!
