A dental crown is a tooth restoration that is cemented onto a damaged tooth, helping to restore its appearance and function. There are many different types of dental crowns, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and gold. A dentist can help you decide which type of crown will benefit your oral health best and your goals for your smile.
Whether to restore tooth function or revitalize a smile, crowns are helpful dental restorations that serve multiple purposes. Read on to learn more about whether this procedure is right for you.
Reasons To Get A Dental Crown
During a dental exam, you may be told you need a crown. There are many reasons why you may need one to restore your tooth’s function, including:
- Tooth decay
- Broken or chipped tooth
- A filling breaks
- A stained or discolored tooth
- A post-root canal tooth that is prone to breaking
A dental crown is also used during the tooth implant process. After the implant screw is placed into the jaw, an implant crown looks and feels like a natural tooth on top of the screw.
What Happens During The Dental Crown Procedure?
The initial step to any dental procedure is a thorough exam with a professional dentist. Getting a crown usually takes two visits. At the first visit, your tooth and the surrounding gums are numbed. Next, the tooth is filed down and a mold of the tooth is taken to help with the creation of your crown. The mold is sent to a dental lab and a temporary crown is used until it’s ready.
During your second visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent one is placed in the mouth. Your bite will be checked and adjusted accordingly. Once the fit and look are satisfactory, the crown is then cemented into place.
Taking Care Of A Dental Crown
Your dental crown will be treated like your natural teeth with regular oral hygiene. The only difference is that you should change how you floss near the crown. Slide the floss out instead of bringing it up and down. Brushing at least twice a day ensures you remove all food, bacteria, and plaque to prevent future tooth decay.
When you take care of your crown, it should last a long time. Scheduling regular dental exams also helps a dentist monitor the health of your crowns.
What If I Am Experiencing Pain After Getting A Crown?
Some pain from a dental procedure is expected. However, your dentist should be quick to address severe discomfort and pain. A toothache usually stems from the nerve of a tooth. It may become inflamed when there is a tooth fracture, a large cavity underneath the crown, or if the bite force is too much on the tooth. An X-ray can help diagnose the problem and to determine the proper treatment.
Dental Services In Boyton Beach
Eriks Dental Group can perform a thorough dental exam and offer treatment options for you to achieve your goals. Whether to resolve an oral health issue or improve the appearance of your smile, dental crowns are viable restorations used for a variety of different reasons. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ty Eriks, DMD, call our office at 561-733-4004.