Dental crowns are often used to repair a worn-down or damaged tooth. These restorations cover the entire tooth to restore its natural appearance and function. The effectiveness of dental crowns largely depends on the type of crown, how it is fixed, and how well you care for them.
Why Are Dental Crowns Used?
Your dentists may recommend getting dental crowns if you have severely worn down, weak teeth or to change the shape and size of uneven natural teeth. Crowns are also used to cover a large filling, protect a tooth after a root canal, hold a dental bridge, or cover dental implants.
Types of Dental Crowns
Crowns can range in different materials, which differ in appearance, durability, and cost. They include:
- Ceramic crowns or porcelain crowns, such as zirconia or lithium disilicate
- Metals, such as silver-based alloys, titanium, stainless steel, or gold crowns
- Metal-ceramic or porcelain fused to a metal crown framework
- Composite resin crowns, similar to that used in dental fillings
What Is Required for Dental Crowns?
Although the teeth require reshaping to make room for the crowns, you need a sufficient amount of tooth for support. If the tooth structure is minimal, the caps will not bond properly and may cause them to fall out. Because of this, your dentist may spend more time preparing the tooth by creating a structure with a composite filling material to support the crowns.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Initial Exam
Dr. Zamir takes X-rays and examines your mouth. She notes the tooth’s color to ensure the ceramic’s shade matches your surrounding teeth.
Tooth Preparation
Some teeth may need to be filed away to ensure a good fit. With the help of a local anesthetic, the dentist will clean up any tooth decay and ensure the tooth’s pulp isn’t infected. The dentist preserves as much of the natural tooth as possible.
Impressions and Crown Fabrication
Your dentist then takes digital dental images of your tooth using a special intra-oral camera. Other dentists may use a special silicone-based putty. The impression is sent to a dental lab where a technician makes your permanent crown or uses an in-house 3D printer.
Temporary Crown Placement
While waiting for your permanent crown to be made, you are fitted with a temporary crown. The temporary crown protects your tooth and prevents any shifting.
You’ll schedule an appointment to return when your permanent crown is ready.
Permanent Crown Placement
At the following appointment, your dentist will remove your temporary crown, thoroughly clean the area, and make readjustments before placing the new crown.
Once your dentists are sure that your new crown has a proper fit, he’ll attach it to your tooth using dental cement. They then check to ensure your bite is even and not bothering or rubbing against other teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Crowns
Taking proper care of your dental crowns is essential to ensure they last as long as possible and maintain the health of your underlying teeth. It’s important to brush and floss regularly to remove plaque and food particles that can accumulate around the crown and cause decay.
Additionally, avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that can damage your crowns, and come see us for routine cleanings and checkups to ensure your crowns are in good condition. If you experience any discomfort or sensitivity, contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. We want to help you get the most out of your dental crown.
Get Your Dental Crowns in South Elgin, IL
While the dental crowns do not need any special dental instructions, you need to brush your teeth and provide proper care for the crowns to last.
Visit Thornwood Family Dental in South Elgin, IL for more information about dental crowns and what you can expect from the procedures. Call us now to book an appointment. You can also learn about our practice by checking our business page, and make sure to check the map before heading our way.
