You’ve probably been talking to your dentist about dental crowns if you have suffered damage to your teeth or if one of your teeth has been weakened by disease or decay. You can restore the functionality of your teeth with crowns, a tooth replacement option. A crown can be used to restore teeth that have been damaged or weakened due to decay.
What exactly are dental crowns, and what can you expect from the dental crown procedure? In this guide by Urban Smiles Dental, we’ll explain:
- What dental crowns are
- What to expect from the dental crown procedure
- Who is a good candidate for dental crowns
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is typically placed on top of a damaged tooth or teeth to protect them. In addition, they can be used to restore the shape of your tooth after it has been broken or reshaped by your dentist due to decay. It may be helpful to picture dental crowns as caps or helmets that protect your teeth and allow you to bite and chew comfortably again.
Crowns restore the strength and appearance of natural teeth, and they are a popular tooth replacement option. A dental crown can be placed on any tooth, whether it’s in the front or back of your mouth.
A dental crown may be recommended by your dentist if you:
- Have a broken or chipped tooth
- Have a decayed tooth that is weakened
- Need to hold a dental bridge in place
- Have recently had a root canal
- Are dealing with a discolored tooth
These are all viable reasons you might want to get a dental crown. But why would you choose this tooth replacement option over another?
What to expect from the dental crown procedure
You’re on your way to restoring the appearance and function of your teeth if you get a crown placed on your teeth. As we mentioned earlier, the dental crown procedure is straightforward.
There are two ways to get a dental crown: in one visit or spread out over two visits.
Getting a dental crown in two visits
Once your dentist meets with you to discuss your tooth restoration options, he or she will recommend one of two crown options. A traditional two-visit dental crown procedure, or a same-day dental crown procedure. When your dentist decides that a two-day procedure is necessary for your case, they will examine the tooth and clean up any decay or damage.
After the X-rays are taken, your dentist will determine if more extensive work needs to be done before a cap is applied. In the case of extensive decay or damage, a root canal procedure would be required.
The next step is for your dentist to file down the tooth that will receive the cap in order to ensure a good fit. Your dentist will determine how much of your tooth needs to be filed down based on the material your crown will be made from, and how extensive the previous damage or decay was.
You will be able to receive additional filling material if your dentist decides you need it to help build up the natural tooth that you do still have.
Afterward, an impression or digital image will be taken of the tooth that will receive the crown, as well as the surrounding teeth and the opposite teeth. In this way, your new crown will not affect your bite. An impression or digital image will then be used to make the crown.
While you wait for the arrival of your permanent dental crowns, you will be given a temporary one. If you are wearing temporary crowns, you will be able to eat and speak normally, but your dentist may advise you not to eat hard or sticky foods to prevent a crack or dislodging of your crown.
Once your permanent crowns are ready, you’ll have another appointment with your dentist. Your crown is now ready for attachment. The dentist will ensure your permanent crown fits well and is the color you expected after removing the temporary one. The permanent crown will then be bonded to your tooth.
Afterward, you can rest assured that your tooth (or teeth) is protected from additional damage or decay, and you can go back to eating normally.
Same-day dental crown
Consultation with your dentist is the first step to getting a dental crown. Depending on what your situation is, they can determine if you should get a crown. If they believe it is, they will consider a variety of factors before choosing the material for your crown.
Afterward, your dentist will remove any decay or damage around the teeth, so that they are healthy. Your dentist will then shape the tooth so that it fits the crown.
Your dentist will then take digital images of your affected teeth to ensure that your crown is the right size and shape. This 3D model will then allow them to construct the crown right there in the office. In most cases, a machine carves the crown from ceramic. After your crown is ready (usually within an hour or two), you can have it cemented the same day.
Dental crown and bridge procedure
We’ve talked about how your dentist will place a dental crown on one tooth, but what if you need a dental crown bridge? This type of tooth restoration is also very straightforward, however, an artificial tooth (or teeth) will be held in place between two crowns, forming the bridge.
Your dentist may recommend this type of procedure if you have a missing tooth or teeth between two damaged or decaying teeth. The first step will be to take measurements, molds, and images of your teeth that will need a dental crown bridge. The procedure involves X-rays, impressions, or digital images of your affected tooth, as well as your surrounding and opposite teeth. The goal is to ensure your bite will remain the same after your dental crown bridge.
Prior to placing the bridge, your dentist will prepare the teeth that will receive the crowns. In addition to removing any damaged or decaying material, the teeth will have to be filed down so they can hold the bridge in place properly. The crowns on your teeth will then be cemented in place, with the artificial teeth in between. If you want something more natural-feeling than partial dentures, this is a great option for you.
With a dental crown bridge, you can expect to regain your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Who is a good candidate for dental crowns?
When should you get dental crowns?
Anyone who wants to protect their teeth from additional decay or damage should consider dental crowns. Get in touch with your dentist if you have a damaged tooth or are worried about whether or not you could benefit from a crown. Dental crowns are a minimally invasive way to strengthen your teeth and restore your confidence. Your welcome starts here
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