Dental care has evolved rapidly in the last two decades. No matter whether you have misaligned teeth or are missing a few, there are treatment options available. If you have a deep cavity or have recently undergone root canal therapy for an infected tooth, you may need a dental crown. Your general dentist in Denton, TX will explain more details unique to your case, but in this guide, we are sharing the essentials that patients need to know about crowns.
The basics
Think of dental crowns as caps. Unlike bridges that replace one or more missing teeth, a cap helps encase an entire tooth to restore its function, size, and shape. Your dentist is most likely to recommend a dental crown when you have a weak tooth because of decay or injury. If a tooth is already chipped but there is no internal damage, a crown can help save it. Crowns are also a part of dental bridges and go over the adjacent teeth next to the missing tooth that is being replaced. Following root canal therapy, which involves removing the pulp and nerve tissues from the inside of an infected tooth, a crown is necessary to protect it from damage. In some cases, dentists can also suggest the option for cosmetic reasons.
What are dental crowns made of?
There are different types of crowns made of materials like stainless steel (often used for kids), metal, porcelain-infused-to metal, all-resin, and all-ceramic. With porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, you can match the color with your natural teeth, and the same is true for all ceramic and all-porcelain crowns. Resin dental crowns are inexpensive but also more prone to fractures. Depending on the needs of the patient, a dentist may make a temporary crown until the actual one comes back from the lab.
What’s the treatment like?
You will need at least two appointments to get a crown. During the first appointment, your dentist will examine the tooth and prepare it for the cap. It is imperative for the dentist to check the X-rays and make sure there is no internal infection in the tooth. If there are signs of deep decay, a root canal treatment is necessary before the crown. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding gums, following which the tooth is reshaped to make room for the cap. If a part of the tooth is missing, your dentist may use a filling material to get the tooth in shape. The next step is to take an impression, for which a special paste is used. Today, many clinics rely on a digital scanner for the impressions. You can discuss the color of the crown with your dentist, along with material options. Next, they will send the mold to a lab, and you will be asked to return after a couple of weeks.
During your second visit, your dentist will check the color, shape, and fit of the dental crown, and if everything is okay, they will cement it in place.
How to care for dental crowns?
Avoid sticky foods that can pull off the crown, such as gum. While crowns are made to last for a decade or more, it is best to avoid extreme bite pressure. Ask your dentist whether you need to follow additional instructions for brushing and flossing. No pain is involved during the treatment, and once the crown is placed, you shouldn’t experience any issues like toothache. If you have sensitivity or pain, seek help immediately.
Final word
The cost of dental crowns largely depends on the material, but you can ask your dentist in Denton whether you can consider flexible payment plans.
