Crowns

If you’ve ever suffered a broken or chipped tooth, you know how painful it can be. But even worse, it can really get in the way of your daily life and activities. That’s why our dentist may recommend a dental crown to help restore strength and structure to your damaged tooth.

What is a dental crown?

A crown is a cap that fits over the visible part of your tooth. Once it’s in place, it restores the functionality and look of your tooth. Because they’re strong and durable, crowns are also used as a prosthetic to replace missing teeth.

A dental crown is an artificial tooth covering that will be cemented over the top of your tooth down to your gum line. Such a method is used to help restore the natural strength of your tooth while maintaining a natural look and appearance to your tooth. 

What is the process of getting a dental crown placed?

When you’re getting a crown, your dentist will probably fit you with a temporary crown before the permanent one is cemented onto your tooth. The temporary crown is usually made of acrylic, and it’s not custom-made for you—it’s just there to fill in the gap between the time when your tooth is prepared for the crown and the time when the permanent crown is ready to be applied.

The color and texture of your temporary crown may not match your other teeth, and it’s possible that it may feel different from them as well. You’ll have to get used to having a temporary crown, but don’t worry: once the permanent one comes in, you’ll have something that matches your other teeth (and feels normal) in no time.

Your permanent crown can be made of a variety of materials, including zirconia (a white metal that’s most common), porcelain, ceramic or gold. Your dentist will go over the options with you and choose the material that best suits your needs.

Many patients are concerned about pain associated with getting a dental crown. You should know that a local anesthesia will be used to numb the area surrounding the tooth so that you will have a pain free experience.

Once you have your crown in place, you’ll want to treat it just like any other tooth. Crowns can last 10-20 years if they’re properly cared for, so be sure to brush thoroughly around them and floss the area regularly. You should also keep up with your regular dentist visits, which will help ensure that your crown stays healthy for years to come!