Summary:
Dental crowns are a cornerstone of modern dentistry, offering a seamless blend of restorative and cosmetic benefits. This guide explains the dental crowns’ process, benefits, and aftercare and answers all your questions about this popular procedure.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are protective caps that protect your damaged or improvised teeth, restoring their appearance and ability to chew without pain. They act like an armor for your teeth. Whether your tooth is chipped, cracked, or has undergone a root canal, a dental crown is the perfect solution to restore its strength and beauty.
Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns can restore teeth’s functionality significantly. They’re a beautiful makeover that keeps teeth safe, secure, and aesthetic. Among the many reasons why you need a dental crown, some are as follows:
- Severely decayed, Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Dental crowns are perfect if your teeth are damaged beyond repair. A cracked or chipped tooth isn’t the best for chewing. Eating, speaking, and smiling becomes tricky when you have a decayed tooth. Getting dental crowns is an ideal solution in such cases.
- Discolored or misshapen Teeth
Discolored or misshapen teeth are not aesthetically appealing. A broken or discolored tooth doesn’t look good on anyone. Therefore, dental crowns are an ideal solution for an aesthetic makeover.
- Treated with a Root Canal
A root canal may weaken your teeth. Dental crowns are an ideal solution, as they give your strength and vitality to your teeth, add a layer of protection, and ensure the tooth stays in its orbit.
Fun fact: Dental crowns have been used for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations that utilized materials like gold and ivory for the same!
Types of Dental Crowns
There are different kinds of dental crowns. Hutchinson KS dentists will suggest a specific treatment based on your personal choices and the state of your oral health.
- Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made from gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. They are durable and perfect for out-of-sight molars, though they lack a natural appearance.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns
They combine metal’s strength with porcelain’s aesthetics, making them suitable for front and back teeth.
- Pressed Ceramic Crowns
The ceramic core and porcelain layers closely mimic natural teeth and are great for those allergic to metals.
- All-Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns
Ideal for those seeking a metal-free option, these crowns offer a natural look and are exceptionally gentle on opposing teeth.
- Same-Day Crowns
Thanks to CAD/CAM technology, these are crafted in-office in a single visit, offering convenience and a custom fit.
- All-Resin Crowns
While more affordable, they are less durable and often used as temporary solutions.
Step-by-Step Dental Crowns Procedure
Dental crowns are ideal for protecting vulnerable teeth and reshaping them for aesthetic and oral health reasons. The dental crown application procedure has many benefits and improves your teeth’s functionality. Dental crowns will phenomenally increase your happiness levels as you feel good, look good, and eat right.
The dental crown procedure typically involves two visits to the dentist:
First Visit: Preparation and Temporary Crown
- Tooth Preparation: The dentist shapes the damaged tooth and removes decay, creating a stable foundation for the crown.
- Dental Impressions: This involves using putty or digital scanners to obtain dental impressions, which in turn, ensure a perfect fit for your custom crown.
- Temporary Crown Placement: A temporary crown protects your tooth while the permanent one is crafted.
Second Visit: Permanent Crown Fitting
- Temporary Crown Removal: Your dentist will gently remove the temporary crown and clean the area.
- Permanent Crown Placement: The new crown is checked for fit, color, and shape before being bonded with dental cement.
- Final Adjustments: Your dentist may make minor tweaks to ensure a comfortable bite and alignment.
What are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
There are tremendous benefits resulting from a successful dental crown installation. Imagine a stylish and aesthetic makeover that changes your appearance drastically, giving you not only functional teeth but also renewed confidence. Here are the numerous advantages of getting crowns:
- Longevity: With proper care, crowns can last between 5 and 15 years, sometimes longer.
- Aesthetics: They enhance the appearance of damaged teeth, improving your smile.
- Protection: Crowns protect weakened teeth from further damage or decay.
What are the Potential Risks and Drawbacks of Dental Crowns?
While crowns are generally safe and effective, here are some things that you need to take into consideration:
- Enamel Removal: A small amount of natural tooth enamel must be removed to fit the crown.
- Sensitivity: Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold.
- Fit Issues: If improperly fitted, crowns can trap bacteria and cause decay.
- Cost: Crowns can be expensive, depending on the material used.
Recovery and Aftercare
After your crown is placed, you can usually resume normal activities immediately. Here are some tips for maintaining your dental crown:
- Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, particularly to the crown area.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Steer clear of hard foods, as they can damage your crown.
- Regular Check-Ups: Visit your dentist regularly to ensure your crown remains in good condition.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Installing dental crowns is a seamless procedure. However, if you experience complications, contacting your dentist would always be a wise decision. Reach out to your Hutchinson, KS dentist if you experience:
- A loose or fallen crown
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Sharp edges on the crown
- Persistent sensitivity or discomfort
Veneers vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference?
- Veneers: Thin porcelain shells covering the teeth’s front surface, primarily for cosmetic improvements.
- Crowns: Caps that encase the entire tooth, providing structural support and protection.
Fun Facts about Dental Crowns
Did you know about 15 million crowns are placed annually in the United States alone?
Dental crowns can improve chewing function by up to 70%, allowing for a more balanced diet and better nutrition.
Takeaways
- Dental crowns are a versatile solution for restoring damaged teeth.
- There are several types of crowns, each with unique benefits and materials.
- Proper care and regular dental visits can extend the life of your crown.
- Consult with Hutchinson KS dentists to determine the best crown option for your needs.
- Get Your Smile Back with Hutchinson KS Dentists!
Ready to enhance your smile with a dental crown? Contact our skilled team at Hutchinson KS Dentists to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.