No matter how well you care for your teeth, damage can happen. You can chip a tooth when biting down on hard candy or notice the development of a cavity, but the most important thing you can do is turn to experts for help. One of the treatment options available is a dental crown.
If you want dental crown procedures explained before deciding if they’re the right choice, the Empire Dental Care team in Webster, NY, can help.
What Are Dental Crowns? Types and Why You May Need Them
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that go over damaged teeth. The benefits and purposes of dental crowns include¹:
- Restoring a weak tooth
- Holding a dental bridge in place
- Covering a stained tooth
- Protecting a cracked tooth
- Restore on top of a dental implant
- Covering a tooth that received a root canal
There are different types of dental crowns, with the right one depending on many factors, including your budget and preferences.
Metal crowns are the most affordable option and tend to last the longest. Another of the benefits of metal dental crowns is they don’t require much tooth layer removal.
You can also get ceramic or porcelain crowns that look like natural teeth. They require a bit more enamel removal to fit perfectly, but they can be a good choice if you have metal allergies.
There are also porcelain-fused-to-metal options that combine the durability of metal with the natural look of porcelain. They work very well for both front and back teeth because of this.
Dental Crown Procedures Explained: Steps Involved in Getting a Dental Crown
The first step in the process is a consultation, which allows us to evaluate the state of your mouth and the tooth that has been damaged. We will ask about your dental history and dental hygiene routines to understand whether crowns are the right choice for you.
You can also ask all your questions and have the dental crown procedure explained to your satisfaction.
We can then prepare the tooth for the crown. To do this, we have to remove a thin layer of the tooth, though how much will depend on the type of crown you get and the initial condition of the tooth. If needed, we can also build up damaged parts of the tooth to provide a good foundation for the crown.
We will then make impressions of the prepared tooth to send to the lab to get a crown that fits perfectly over your tooth. Because fabricating the crown may take two to three weeks, we will provide a temporary crown for you to wear.
Once we receive the crown, we will schedule another appointment to place it over your tooth permanently.
Caring for Dental Crowns: Extending the Life of the Dental Crown
Your dental crowns need the same care you would give your natural teeth. You must brush them at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss twice daily. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent plaque buildup.
Because dental crowns can break, you should avoid very hard foods, including hard candies and ice chips. Make sure to stay away from very sticky foods, too. If you tend to grind your teeth during sleep, a mouthguard can help protect your dental crowns as well as your teeth.
Common Misconceptions About Dental Crown Procedures
One myth that can keep you from getting a dental crown is that the procedure can cause discomfort. That is not the case. We provide numbing creams and local anesthetics necessary to keep you comfortable as we go through every step of the process.
Another common misconception is that once the dental crowns are in place, they won’t budge. If you don’t take care of the dental crowns or if you eat sticky or hard foods, they can get dislodged. That means having to get them replaced.
Many people also believe that dental crown procedures take a very long time. However, the appointments are quick. What’s longest is the wait for the lab to create the dental crown, but you will have a temporary crown while you wait for the permanent crown to come back.
Turning to Experts for Dental Crowns
A dental crown can be the solution if you have a damaged tooth. Once you have dental crown procedures explained, you can see how they can be beneficial without requiring an extensive procedure.
At Empire Dental Care, Dr. Tehila Cohen and her compassionate team offer the dental care you need. Call today to schedule a consultation. 585-671-1650
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