6 Important Facts To Know About Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a common and efficient solution for various dental issues, from protecting weak teeth to restoring broken ones. They play a vital role in enhancing both the function and appearance of your smile. Understanding the details of dental crowns, including their types, purposes, procedures, and care, can help you make informed decisions about your dental health. This guide will cover six important facts about dental crowns, providing you with essential knowledge for your next dental visit.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, often known as caps, are artificial devices used to encase and safeguard teeth that have been compromised or debilitated. Unlike fillings, which fill in parts of a tooth, crowns encase the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. They are designed to reinstate the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, each suited for different needs and preferences. They are a go-to solution for restoring function and aesthetics in one comprehensive treatment.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are numerous types of dental crowns available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Metal Crowns: These are typically made from gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. Metal crowns are renowned for their durability and strength, making them ideal for molars that endure heavy biting and chewing. They are less likely to chip or break and require minimal tooth removal. On the other hand, their metallic hue renders them less visually appealing for teeth that are visible.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: These crowns offer a balance between strength and aesthetics. The metal base provides durability, while the porcelain overlay gives a more natural tooth color. They can be a good option for both front and back teeth. However, the porcelain can sometimes chip or wear down the opposing teeth, and the metal underlayer can occasionally show through as a dark line, especially at the gum line.
All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: These crowns offer the best natural color match and are a great choice for people with metal allergies. They are suitable for front teeth and offer a more aesthetically pleasing result. However, they are not as strong as metal crowns and can be more susceptible to chipping or breaking, especially when used on back teeth.
Resin Crowns: Resin crowns are generally less expensive than other types and provide a good color match with natural teeth. They are a good short-term solution but tend to wear down more quickly and are more prone to fractures compared to other materials.

Reasons for Getting a Dental Crown

There are several compelling reasons why you might need to consider getting a dental crown:

Protecting a Weak Tooth: A crown can offer strength and protection to a tooth that has been compromised by decay or trauma, thereby preventing additional damage.
Restoring a Broken or Worn Tooth: If a tooth is already broken or significantly worn down, a crown can restore its shape, size, and function, making it possible to chew and speak properly.
Protecting a Tooth with a Large Filling: When a tooth has a large filling and not much natural tooth structure remaining, a crown can cover and support it, reducing the risk of the tooth breaking.
Holding a Dental Bridge in Place: Crowns are employed to secure dental bridges, which bridge the distance between healthy teeth to replace one or more missing teeth.
Covering Misshaped or Severely Discolored Teeth: Crowns can enhance the appearance of teeth that are misshaped or severely discolored, enhancing the overall look of your smile.
Covering a Dental Implant: The crown positioned on a dental implant restores the look and functionality of a lost tooth, flawlessly blending with the surrounding natural teeth.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Getting a dental crown typically encompasses several steps spread over two visits to the dentist near you:

Initial Consultation and Examination: The process begins with a thorough examination of the affected tooth. The dentist will take X-rays to spot the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone. If there is a risk of infection or severe decay, a root canal treatment may be necessary.
Preparing the Tooth: The tooth is reshaped to accommodate the crown during the initial appointment. This involves the removal of a portion of the tooth enamel. The dentist may employ a restorative material to construct the tooth in order to provide support for the crown if a significant portion of the tooth is absent.
Making Impressions of the Tooth: After reshaping the tooth, the dentist obtains an impression of the tooth and the adjacent teeth. The crown is custom-made at the dental laboratory following the submission of these impressions. This process typically requires 2-3 weeks.
Placing a Temporary Crown: While waiting for the permanent crown, a temporary crown is positioned over the prepared tooth to protect it. Temporary crowns are usually made from acrylic and are held in place with temporary cement.
Fitting and Placing the Permanent Crown: The impermanent crown is removed, and the new crown’s fit and pigment are assessed after the permanent crown is prepared. If everything is satisfactory, the dentist will use a special cement to permanently fix the crown in place.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Proper care is vital to ensure your dental crown lasts a long time. Here is how you can do that:

Brushing and Flossing Regularly: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing daily. Pay special attention to the area around the crown to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
Avoiding Hard Foods: Chewing hard foods like ice, hard candies, or nuts can damage your crown. Be mindful of what you eat to avoid putting excessive stress on the crown.
Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine health visits to your dentist are pivotal. The dentist will check the crown and surrounding teeth to ensure everything is in good condition. Any issues can be addressed early before they become serious problems.
Signs of Issues to Watch For: Be aware of any signs of problems with your crown, such as pain, sensitivity, or the crown feeling loose. If you notice any of these issues, contact your dentist in Keller promptly.

Longevity of Dental Crowns

The lifespan of a dental crown relies on various factors:

Average Lifespan of Different Types of Crowns: Metal crowns can last between 10-15 years or longer, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns around 10 years, and all-ceramic or resin crowns usually 5-7 years.
Factors Affecting Longevity: Numerous factors can influence the lifespan of a crown, including oral hygiene practices, chewing habits, and the type of material used. Good oral hygiene and avoiding harmful habits, including teeth grinding, can significantly extend the life of your crown.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Crown

Here are some tips to expand the life of your crown:

Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods: Minimize the intake of sugary meals and acidic beverages since they may lead to tooth decay and compromise the structural strength of the tooth’s crown.
Quit Smoking: Smoking and tobacco use may stain the crown and intensify the risk of gum disease, potentially affecting the crown’s long-term durability.
Address Teeth Grinding: If you have bruxism, which is the grinding of teeth during sleep, it is advisable to see your dentist about using a nightguard. This protective device will safeguard both your natural teeth and dental crown from excessive damage caused by grinding.

Conclusion

Dental crowns provide a versatile solution for protecting, restoring, and enhancing your teeth. By understanding the different types, their purposes, and how to care for them, you can make informed decisions about your dental health. Proper care and regular dental health check-ups can ensure the longevity of your crown. Ready to explore dental crowns in Keller, TX, and improve your smile? Contact Highland Oaks Family Dentistry, your local dental clinic in Keller, for expert advice and personalized dental care today!

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