Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are secured over the damaged tooth. There are several reasons your teeth might incur damage, ranging from injuries, tooth decay, or just regular wear and tear. A dental crown shields the tooth besides improving its appearance. It reinstates the shape, size, and function of the tooth. They can be customized to match the shade of the neighboring teeth and help cover the visible portion of an affected tooth.
When Would You Need a Crown?
A crown would need to be placed in the following situations:
- An impaired tooth needs protection from further breakage and cracks.
- You have a dental implant that needs a crown to complete the restoration.
- A tooth does not have enough of its natural structure left after a large filling.
- You have a fractured tooth that needs support.
- You have a discolored or poorly shaped tooth that needs a cap.
- You have a bridge that replaces missing teeth and needs to be anchored.
What Are the Key Steps in a Crown Placement?
The preliminary step includes an examination of your damaged tooth. Once it is concluded that there is a need for a crown, we will start working on the tooth by scraping the outer enamel, including any decay. This is carried out to enable the fitting of the restoration. If additional tooth structure is necessary to support a crown, we will build up the tooth's core.
During the next step, your tooth impression is taken to be used in making its replica. The impressions are then wired over to our dental lab to have the crown fabricated. This process may take about half a month.
Meanwhile, a provisional crown is fitted to protect your tooth while the permanent restoration is being fabricated. It is recommended to avoid eating hard food during this period.
The final step includes the placement of the permanent crown. The necessary adjustments are performed to check the crown for an exact fit and appearance. Once everything is found satisfactory, the crown is bonded into position using a strong adhesive.
How Should You Care for the Crowns?
Crowns can also crack and break like our original teeth. The tooth a crown covers can still develop decay. Adequate care of the restoration is very much needed to prevent cavities or damage to it. The crowns have to be brushed and flossed regularly with fluoride toothpaste. It is imperative to avoid chewing hard foods such as ice or other complex objects. Regular exams and cleaning of the crowns will make them last longer.
If you are interested in learning more about dental crowns, visit Ygnacio Dental at 1766 Lacassie Ave # 101, Walnut Creek, CA 945961, or call us at (925) 280-2848 and schedule an appointment.