Dental health is important to all, and one way to have your teeth strong and healthy is by crowning the teeth. A dentist often recommends dental crowns near you to protect weak or damaged teeth. In the blog, we will have an overview of dental crowns that will help you make the right decision regarding your dental health.
Understanding a Dental Crown
A dental crown refers to a small protective cap fitting onto the tooth. Normally, dentists use crowns on teeth that are damaged, broken, or have cavities too big to fill. The crown shields and retains the tooth and makes it stronger and healthier.
Key Points About Dental Crowns
- Covers and protects weak or damaged teeth.
- Made from strong materials like metal, porcelain, or ceramic.
- It looks like a natural tooth and hence blends well with other teeth.
- It lasts for many years if taken proper care.
When Do You Require a Dental Crown?
Dentists recommend crowns for teeth in certain situations. Here is why you may require dental crowns:
- Large cavities: If the cavity is too large for a normal filling, a crown can cover the tooth and protect it from further damage.
- Broken or cracked teeth: If you have a tooth that’s cracked or broken, a crown can hold the pieces together and prevent the tooth from harming more.
- After a root canal: A tooth that has undergone a root canal becomes weak. A crown may help cover and support the weak tooth.
- Cover a dental implant: If you have a dental implant, then you require a crown over it to make it appear and function like a natural tooth.
- Improve appearance: A tooth is discoloured; you can have a crown to cover it to improve the structure of the tooth.
Dental Crown Types
Your dentist will assist you in selecting the most suitable dental crown for your tooth from all of the options available. The common crown types are as follows:
- Porcelain crowns: These crowns are made from ceramic and resemble like a natural tooth. Because of their natural appearance, they are mainly used for the central teeth.
- Metal crowns: They are made with metals like gold or silver. They are strong and last for a long time. They are usually recommended to be applied to back teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: These are crowns with a metal base and a porcelain top. These crowns are strong and appear like natural teeth.
- Zirconia crowns: Zirconia is a strong material that is resilient and is used for both front and back teeth.
- Resin crowns: These generally are used as temporary crowns since they have a short lifespan.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
A dental crown will usually require two appointments with the dentist. What to expect along the process is as follows:
First Visit
- Examination and preparation: The dentist examines a tooth to check if you require a crown.
- Tooth shaping: The dentist anaesthetizes the area around the tooth. Then a professional will reshape your tooth to adjust the crown.
- Impression: A mould of your tooth, popularly known as an impression, is taken to make the crown.
- Temporary crown: A temporary crown will be cemented on your tooth to protect it, while the permanent crown is being made.
Second Visit
- Fitting the crown: The dentist initially removes the temporary crown and then checks for the permanent cap fittings.
- Cementing the crown: Once the dentist determines that everything is good, cement the new crown onto your tooth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
There are many benefits of dental crowns, which make them an excellent option when it comes to tooth protection. Following are some of the key advantages of dental crowns:
- Protects the tooth: A crown covers and protects the weak or damaged tooth, preventing further dental problems.
- Restores function: If your tooth is broken or worn down, a teeth caps can restore its shape and function, like eating and more.
- Improves appearance: Crowns can improve the appearance of your teeth, particularly if they are discoloured.
- Long-term solution: With proper care, a dental crown can last for many years.
Tips to Maintain Dental Crown
With good care, dental crowns in Boston can last for many years. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining your crown in optimal condition:
- Brush and floss daily: Brush your crowned tooth at least twice a day and floss it once a day, just like you do with your natural teeth.
- Avoid fard food intake: Try to avoid biting hard foods like ice or nuts since these may crack your crown.
- Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups help your dentist determine if your crown is in great shape and condition.
- Avoid consumption of sticky foods: Food items, such as caramel, that pull the crown, possibly causing it to become loose.
Remember to consult your dentist to see if a crown is right for you and follow their instructions on how to take care. With a dental crown, you can enjoy a healthy and confident smile for years.
Preserve Tooth Health With A Dental Crown Today!
Ellui Dental helps to preserve the health and strength of your teeth. Our team of dentist near you at our clinic is experienced and offers quality dental services to address your oral problem. Whether you require dental checkups or fitting for a crown, we got you covered for healthy and strong teeth. Visit us at our dental clinic for stronger, healthier smiles!