Dental crowns
If you’ve injured or damaged a tooth, your dentist in Springfield, KY, can use a dental crown to cover your tooth enamel. Dental crowns are an important tool that dentists use to protect tooth enamel and prevent it from cracking or breaking.
Dental crowns are installed following procedures like root canals and also after dental injuries. If you have a damaged tooth, you may need a dental crown. Your dentist will recommend a dental crown if one is required.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap your dentist places over the top of your tooth to provide protection and to strengthen the tooth enamel. Dental crowns can be made from many materials, including porcelain, metal, a combination of porcelain and metal, ceramic, and composite. The material your dental crown is made of will affect how it looks and performs.
Dental Crown Benefits
There are many benefits of dental crowns including:
- Dental crowns look natural
- Dental crowns are long-lasting and durable
- Dental crowns can protect your tooth from further breakage
- Dental crowns can help you comfortably talk and chew after a dental injury
Your dentist can help you understand why a dental crown is necessary and how it can help you.
Dental Crown Installation
Before installing a dental crown, your dentist must make room for the crown on your tooth. To do this, they’ll shave down the tooth enamel. They may also fill in some of the weakened parts of your tooth with a filling material to strengthen the tooth and create a strong base for the crown.
Once the tooth enamel has been partially removed, the dentist will create an impression of your tooth, so the lab can create a dental crown that fits. You’ll have a temporary crown while the lab makes your new crown. When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will have you return to the dental office. Then, the dentist will cement the dental crown in place.
Dental Crown Materials
Dental crowns can be made from many materials including:
- Porcelain: This tooth-colored material can last for up to 15 years.
- Metal: This material can last for 20 years or more. It’s highly durable.
- Resin: Resin crowns look natural, but they’re not as durable as porcelain or metal crowns. They can last about 3 to 5 years.
Each material comes with advantages as well as disadvantages, and the prices of each material can vary. Your dentist can help you choose a dental crown material that will be suitable for your tooth.
Many patients choose metal crowns for teeth in the back of the mouth, because they like the durability of metal. Many patients want a crown made from a tooth-colored material at the front of the mouth.
Maintaining Dental Crowns
Maintaining dental crowns is easy. Dental crowns are maintained a lot like natural teeth. Here are some tips to maintaining dental crowns:
- Brush your dental crowns twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Floss your dental crown once each day. Your dentist can show you how to floss around a crown properly.
- Continue to see the dentist every six months for dental checkups.
- Avoid using your teeth to bite non-food objects like pen caps and ice.
Dental Crowns Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs dental crowns?
You may need a dental crown if:
- You have a weakened or cracked tooth
- You’ve had a root canal
- You have a dental bridge
- You have a severely broken or discolored tooth
- You have a misshapen tooth
How long do dental crowns last?
Metal dental crowns can last for up to 20 years or more if they’re properly maintained. The longest-lasting crowns are made of metal, while other materials last less time.
Do dental crowns look natural?
Many dental crowns look natural. Your dental crown will be made to fit in your mouth and will be shaped like your other teeth. If the dental crown is made of metal, it will not look natural because of its color. Crowns made from non-metal materials are often matched to the color of the other teeth, so they can’t be distinguished from natural teeth.
Are dental crowns a cosmetic solution?
Dental crowns are often installed for structural reasons. However, if you have a misshapen tooth that you’d like to change for cosmetic reasons, talk to your dentist. Your dentist may suggest covering the tooth with a dental crown or another solution.
How are dental crowns different from dental veneers?
Dental crowns are different from dental veneers. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth, while dental veneers only cover the front.
Does it hurt to get a dental crown?
Your dentist will numb the area during the dental crown installation to help ensure your comfort during dental crown installation.
How long does it take to get dental crowns?
Dental crown installation is done over two visits to the dentist’s office. These visits are often spaced two or more weeks apart, so the lab can make the dental crown.
Should I get metal or porcelain dental crowns?
Your dentist can help you make this decision. What material you choose should depend on your aesthetic goals for your teeth as well as your budget and other factors.
Why Don K. Flowers Jr. for Dental crown Installation?
At Don K. Flowers Jr., we provide dental crown installation services for patients who need a dental crown to protect their weakened or damaged tooth enamel. Our dental professionals provide excellent patient care because we believe in helping our patients.
We provide efficient, streamlined dental treatment because your time is valuable. Find out what a difference it makes to get your dental care from Don K. Flowers Jr.
Need Dental Crowns in Springfield, KY? Contact Us
Do you need dental crowns in Springfield, KY? The dental professionals at Don K. Flowers Jr. can help. We provide efficient, compassionate dental care to help our patients enjoy healthy teeth and gums. Do you think you need a dental crown? To learn more about how we can help you, call today to make a dental appointment.