Blog

Dental crowns are restorations on the teeth which reinforce severely damaged teeth. Crowns are used to repair teeth that have cracked/broken or offer protection and strengthen a tooth that has suffered extensive damages. After a root canal therapy, a tooth crown is used to reinforce the tooth’s strength. They are important since they restore your teeth’ functions fully, safeguard your teeth from further damage and improve your smile.

5 Dental Crown Facts You Should Know Before You Get Them

Are you the best candidate for a crown procedure?

A visit to Gulf Coast Dental will enable you to answer this question. The dentist will examine your teeth, evaluate and review all options before recommending a tooth crown.

A few reasons why you may require a tooth crown are;

• For the restoration of a damaged tooth
• For the protection of a tooth that is weak, cracked, or decaying
• After a dental implant to protect, conceal or disguise the implant
• When modifying a tooth’s appearance cosmetically

Which type of crown is suitable for you?

Teeth crowns come in different materials like porcelain, metal, ceramic, composite resin, and zirconia. Some of these materials can be combined.

A dentist selects the material for the crown based on;

• The location of the tooth and position of the gum tissue
• The function of the tooth requiring a crown
• The color of the teeth surrounding the one requiring a crown
• Visibility of the tooth when smiling
• The piece of natural teeth that remains

The entailment of a crown placement procedure

The dentist determines the crown placement procedure based on the time set for the process. The procedure for a tooth crown can be either a multi-day or same-day procedure. A multi–day procedure requires two visits to the dentist’s office. On the first visit, the dentist examines the tooth and prepares it for crowning. An impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth is made and sent to the lab for the crown to be made. A temporary crown is put over the tooth for protection. On the second visit, the dentist cements the lab-made crown to the patient’s tooth.

On the other hand, a same-day procedure requires just one visit to the dentist. A digital picture of your teeth is taken and used to create a crown as you wait. The new crown is cemented to the affected tooth.

The lifespan of a tooth crown

A crown can last between five and fifteen years, depending on the crown’s type and the care given to the crown. Pure porcelain and pure ceramic crowns are more natural-looking but are not as strong as metal or porcelain fused to metal crowns. Pure resin crowns are not long-lasting, but gold crowns last the longest. After getting a crown, dentists advise patients on caring for the tooth so that the crown lasts long.

The cost of a crown

Teeth crowns vary in price based on the materials used in making the crown and the size of the tooth requiring a crown. Gold crowns are the most expensive, followed by porcelain crowns. Crowns made of a metal alloy are cheaper. Extensive prep work like a dental implant or root canal done by the dentist before putting in a crown may cause the treatment cost to rise. At Gulf Coast Dental ,our dentist will discuss the types of crowns available for your dental needs and their cost.

Caring Tips for a Tooth Crown

Taking good care of teeth crown prolongs its lifespan. Here are tips you can adopt:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, paying attention to the crown
• Floss daily
• Avoid biting hard things or chewing hard food that may crack the crown
• Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth

Possible Side-effects of Having a Tooth Crown

A patient may experience a few complications after getting a crown. These are;

• The crowned tooth may be sensitive to heat or cold foodstuffs. The dentist will recommend toothpaste that reduces teeth sensitivity.
• A very small percentage of patients may have irritated or sore gums on the area surrounding the crown. A visit to the dentist’s office will help rectify this.