Your dentist may probably recommend a dental crown procedure if you have a weak tooth that needs to be fixed in place or if you require a bridge. Whatever the reason, getting a dental crown is a good idea if you are looking to fix your teeth.
Before, however, getting the procedure, you should first know the pros and cons and discuss your concerns with the dentist for the best results.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the dental crown procedure that will help you understand and make informed decisions,
What is a Dental Crown?
Before getting into the technicalities, let us first know what a dental crown is. A dental crown is a customized cap that covers a patient’s tooth. Usually, this procedure is used to restore the shape and size of a tooth and increase its strength, or performance. To ensure success, the crown is cemented into place and encasing the tooth for full protection.
What are the Uses of Dental Crowns?
Your dentist may recommend dental crowns if you have:
1. Large cavities in your teeth that cannot be filled.
2. Missing teeth and require a bridge.
3. A requirement to cover your dental implants.
4. Cracked, weak, or worn-down teeth.
5. A requirement for restoration after a root canal.
6. Cosmetic reasons include discolored or misaligned teeth.
7. Baby teeth that are damaged.
What are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?
Dental crown is made of various materials including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, composite resin, metal, or a combination of these materials. The type of crown suitable for you will depend on certain factors such as:
1. Location of your tooth.
2. How much of your teeth show when you smile?
3. Location of your gum tissue.
4. The function of your tooth that requires a crown.
5. How many natural teeth are remaining?
6. Color of your surrounding teeth.
Based on the above, your emergency dentist will decide whether to get you a temporary crown or a permanent one.
Temporary Crown
Just like its name, a temporary crown does exactly what you understand. It is a crown that is fixed to your tooth for only a short period. Your dentist will place it over your tooth with an adhesive that can easily be removed. This crown is usually placed when you are waiting for your permanent crown to be made. The material used for this crown includes acrylic or stainless steel.
Permanent Crown
Permanent crowns are built to last you a lifetime. A dentist will first take impressions of your teeth to create customized crowns for you. The temporary crown would be removed and the permanent crown would be placed with a strong dental adhesive.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?
It is quite normal for you to know first about the longevity of the procedure before spending money on it. Depending on the material of your crown, your lifestyle, and the expertise of your dentist, a dental crown can last you from 5 to 15 years.
Whatever may be the type of your crown, its life depends mostly on your oral hygiene or routine. This includes basic hygiene including brushing and flossing twice a day or getting regular dental checkups and cleanings. In addition to this, your lifestyle choice also plays a vital role including avoiding hard and fried food or anything that can stick to your teeth.
The dental crown will not possibly last you a lifetime. If, however, you properly maintain them and keep visiting your dentist frequently, there are high chances of you having them for more than a decade.
To Sum It Up
A dental crown is a perfect choice if you are looking for an affordable and effective solution to restore your teeth' appearance. If you wish to know about the same, you can consult our dentists at Hopkins Family Dentistry by scheduling an appointment with us here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.