If you’ve broken a tooth, need a large filling, or are getting a dental crown, you may find yourself searching online for a “dentist near me.” All general dentists are able to provide these types of dental services, which involve the placement of a dental crown.
What is a dental crown?
Dental crowns can be thought of as “caps” that are placed over the chewing surfaces of teeth to strengthen and protect them after they have been damaged by tooth decay or are needed as part of a dental implant.
In the case of dental fillings, sometimes tooth decay affects a tooth to the extent that there is not enough tooth structure remaining to support a filling. In this case, your dentist would likely recommend that you get a dental crown to cover the entire surface of the tooth.
What are dental crowns made from?
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-resin, all-porcelain, all-ceramic or pressed ceramic.
Why would I need a dental crown?
Your dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown for any of the following reasons:
- To cover a dental implant
- To retain a dental bridge in place
- For protecting a weak tooth
- To cap a tooth treated with a root canal
What To Expect
If you’re getting a dental crown, you’ll typically need two dental appointments. In the first, your dentist will file down the tooth to make room for the dental crown. They will reshape the tooth and apply a paste to make an impression of the tooth that will receive the crown. These impressions are delivered to a dental laboratory that will manufacture your crown to be placed at a subsequent appointment.
In two or three weeks, your permanent crown will be ready, and you will return to have it placed. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of your permanent one. If everything looks good, they will numb the tooth with an anesthetic and permanently cement the crown into place.
How long do they last?
Dental crowns typically last anywhere from five to 15 years. How long your crown lasts depends upon factors like your oral hygiene practices, the amount of force that you bite down with, and other factors, like if you grind or clinch your teeth or chew on ice or hard candy.
How should I care for my new dental crown?
No special care is required for dental crowns. But you must care for all of your teeth by brushing and flossing daily to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. You should also be careful about chewing on hard objects that could damage your dental crown or your other teeth.
For More Information
To request additional information about dental crowns, or to schedule an appointment or consultation, please contact our offices at your earliest convenience.
