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Dental Crowns

A dental crown is an excellent option for the repair of a severely damaged tooth. While the entire crown of the tooth is replaced, the root remains. This, along with the strength of the prosthetic, makes a dental crown a great option for saving and repairing a damaged tooth.

Below is more information about what dental crowns are, their benefits, what the placement process looks like, and more.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown (also known as a “dental cap”) is a dental prosthetic that is used to replace the crown of a tooth that is cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged to the point where it cannot be repaired. This sets dental crowns apart from dental bonding and veneers. With bonding and veneers, the goal is to save and repair the crown. With a dental crown, the goal is to save the root and replace the crown.

The crown of your tooth is the part of your tooth that is visible above the gum line. A dental crown replaces this portion of the tooth.

There are a few different types of dental crowns. The ceramic crown is a very popular option, as it can be made to resemble the shade of a natural tooth well and blend with the surrounding teeth. This crown is porcelain-based. Another type of crown is gold alloy. As the name implies, this crown is made with a mixture of gold and other metals. These types of crowns are particularly strong, but also very noticeable. The porcelain fused-to-metal crown is a strong and durable option as well. Finally, there is the base metal alloy crown. This is made from metals that are strong and resistant to corrosion.

The type of crown is a decision you will make with your dentist.

Why Crowns Are Necessary

If you recently were injured, you may have a major chip, crack, or fracture in the crown of your tooth. You may have also allowed a cavity to get bad enough that it destroyed the crown of your tooth. Whatever the case may be, if the damage is bad enough, the crown of your tooth will no longer be viable. In order to prevent further damage to the tooth and your oral health in general, your dentist may suggest replacing the crown entirely.

You may be self-conscious because of the damage that has occurred to your tooth. Having a damaged or discolored tooth can be a major hit to your self-confidence. With a dental crown, you can smile proudly and with confidence. You’ll also be able to bite and chew like you did before.

There are a lot of great advantages to dental crowns that make them an excellent repair option.

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The Dental Crown Placement Process

The process of a dental crown begins with a trip to the dentist. Your dentist will take a look at the damaged tooth and see what forms of repair are possible. If the tooth is damaged enough, they will determine that a dental crown is the best way to fix it. If there is decay, your dentist will take care of it. From there, an impression will be made. Your crown will be fabricated in a lab. This process will take a few weeks, so you may get a temporary crown in the meantime.

Your dentist will shape your tooth when your dental crown arrives, so it is able to fit the crown. Your dentist will ensure you don’t feel pain by using a local anesthetic. Your dentist will check the fit and look of the crown before placement. Once your dentist decides they are satisfied with the fit and look of the dental crown, they will begin the permanent placement process. Finally, the dental crown will be cemented in place.

The Benefits of a Dental Crown

There are some amazing benefits that come with a dental crown. The first and most obvious is the appearance of the crown. With certain materials (like porcelain), you’ll find that the replacement is difficult to differentiate from the surrounding teeth. Other materials are made to stand out. It’s up to personal preference, but either way, you can smile with confidence. A dental crown will return the function of your tooth as well, which is very important to those that have a damaged tooth. You’ll be able to bite and chew like normal.

A dental crown is a semi-permanent solution, so you shouldn’t expect it to last forever. Generally, a crown will last around 15 years. If you take great care of your crown, though, it may last as long as 25-30 years!

Aftercare

Something you need to keep in mind with your dental crown is that it only replaces a portion of the tooth. You still have the natural root. Because of this, it’s important to properly brush the tooth and floss around it. In general, make sure you are brushing, flossing, and rinsing twice a day, every day to ensure your overall oral health. By doing this, you’ll be able to avoid gum disease, tooth decay, and other issues. If the dental crown was needed due to tooth decay, you definitely need to make sure you are taking better care of your oral health.

Your dental crown is tough, but it isn’t invincible. You can damage it by chewing on hard objects. Avoid ice and other objects that can damage your crown. You also can stain your dental crown. Things like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda can stain the prosthetic. If you play sports, purchase a mouthguard to keep your teeth safe. If you have bruxism, you’ll also want to make sure you have a mouth guard to keep your teeth safe while you are sleeping.

As soon as you crack, chip, or otherwise damage your tooth, set an appointment with a dentist at Oxboro Dental. We’ll take a look at the tooth and determine the extent of the damage. From there, repair options can be considered—including the placement of a dental crown. We’ll then make the repair process as simple as possible for you.