Best Dental Crowns
Best Dental Crowns | Almost everyone has heard of dental crowns. But what are they, really? Well, a dental crown is simply a type of “cap” used for covering a tooth. This procedure is normally used for the restoration of tooth shape and size, as well as for bolstering its strength and enhancing its performance.
The best dental crowns are firmly cemented, to perfectly encase the tooth for complete protection.
Dental crowns can be used for:
- Large cavities that cannot be filled
- Missing teeth whenever a bridge is required
- For covering dental implants
- Restoration following a root canal procedure
- Teeth that are weak, worn down or cracked
- For cosmetic reasons like badly shaped teeth or stained teeth
Getting a Dental Crown
Most of the work required for a crown takes place during the initial appointment. Your tooth will be numbed and contoured, which involves some removal of tooth structure to make room for the crown.
Once the tooth has been reshaped to make room for the crown, an impression of the tooth will be created for the manufacture of the crown. In addition to ensuring a size match, your dentist will be matching the color of your crown to your tooth as closely as possible. The process of creating your new dental crown can take up to two weeks.
Second Appointment
The follow-up visit is when you actually have your new dental crown placed. It is a simpler process than the first appointment. After the anesthetization of your tooth, your crown will be placed on top and adjusted for a perfect fit.
After determination of the correct fit, your crown will be cemented permanently into place. You will be asked to bite down on a soft material like cotton gauze to help the cement set. Finally, any excess cement will be removed from around your tooth.
Maintaining Your Crown
Now that you have received your new dental crown, you will want it to last as long as possible. In addition to regularly brushing your teeth and flossing as normal, you will want to make sure that you are not grinding your teeth. This can occur even at night time. If so, your dentist may recommend that you wear a mouth guard while sleeping to provide protection for your new crown, as well as your other teeth.
The length of time that your crown will last depends upon various factors. Some factors are crown construction material, your individual lifestyle, and the skills of your dentist. Dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Porcelain-fused-to-metal and gold are the materials that last the longest.
Consultation for a Dental Crown
The best dental crowns require an initial consultation so that you can have a meeting of the minds between yourself and your dentist. Feel free to ask any questions that you have at this time so that you understand every step of the treatment process. You can also schedule your appointment to receive your dental crown at this time. Contact us at (571) 206-3586.