Dental crowns are an essential tool dentists have for both cosmetic and restorative concerns. They can treat many issues and are often the last defense before we resort to extraction for a severe dental problem. We want to do everything we can to keep your smile healthy, and crowns are one of the best ways to do this. We offer crowns as a restorative dentistry service in Denton, Texas.
What to Expect: Dental Crowns Process and Procedure
No matter what material your dental crown is, the process is pretty much the same. As with any procedure, we first consult with you to ensure that a dental crown is the best choice for your needs. Rarely a patient doesn’t qualify for a dental crown. Sometimes, your tooth may have so much damage or decay that we’ll have to perform an extraction instead. We may also discover the tooth has less damage than we thought, and we can use a dental filling to treat the condition.
If we’re moving forward with your crown, we must first treat any decay. Once your tooth is healthy enough, we prepare it for a crown. We remove tooth structure and shape the tooth to be ideal for a crown. After this, we take impressions so that a dental lab can make the crown to fit your unique smile. We can customize the size and shape of the crown so that it blends in with the rest of your smile.
Once the dental restoration is ready, we temporarily place it on the tooth. We check the fit and ensure that it will be comfortable and functional. If a crown is too loose, debris and bacteria can get trapped underneath it and compromise the integrity of your natural tooth structure. Once the fit is satisfactory, we permanently bond the crown into place.
Dental Crown Materials
You can get a dental crown made of many different materials. We also offer a variety of crown types. The most popular is porcelain. We can use these on teeth anywhere in the mouth because they blend in with the rest of your teeth. Porcelain resembles your natural tooth enamel; we can shade it to match your smile. These crowns are stain-resistant, leading to the most aesthetically pleasing result. The main downside of porcelain crowns is that they’re more expensive than other options. They can also be harder to repair than others.
Dental crowns are offered in zirconia, too. Zirconia is an extremely durable ceramic material. They give you the best aesthetic result and are the most resistant to staining and damage. However, they’re much more expensive than any other dental crown material.
It’s rare, but metal crowns can occasionally still be used. They can be made from several different metals. Patients typically don’t choose these, as they obviously contrast with the rest of your teeth.
Lastly, crowns can combine two materials, with a porcelain fused to metal (PTM) crown. It combines the benefits of metal and porcelain crowns. PTM crowns are a bit stronger than porcelain crowns on their own. They give you more durability while still providing a good aesthetic result.
The Many Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are so loved because they can be used for many dental conditions — both cosmetic and restorative.
Cosmetic Uses
Cosmetically, we usually treat tooth discoloration with professional teeth whitening. However, not all discoloration responds to traditional whitening techniques. Teeth stained due to medication or because of trauma may need something more. We can color-match dental crowns to any shade of white you desire. They also cover the entire discolored tooth so that none will be in view.
Misshapen and disfigured teeth can have both cosmetic and functional complications. Typically, patients come to us because they don’t like the look of these teeth in their smiles. But your teeth are important for clear speech and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Dental crowns treat both of these issues. When crowns are made, we match them to the size, shape, and shade of the rest of your teeth. Crowns can also treat small gaps between teeth for a more even smile.
Restorative Uses
Dental crowns are the last line of defense before extracting a tooth. It’s the go-to solution for teeth with severe damage or decay. When large fillings, inlays, or onlays can’t treat a tooth, crowns come in. It provides a tooth you can trust to be stable and don’t need to worry about. You won’t feel pain when you bite down and will be able to get the full function of your tooth.
One of the most common uses of dental crowns is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. When we perform a root canal, we remove the infected dental pulp in the middle of the tooth. We replace it with a biocompatible material and seal the tooth from further infection. But sometimes, this isn’t enough. We may recommend a dental crown as well. It seals the tooth off even further and ensures you have full function back in that tooth.
Dental crowns are usually the best choice to complete a dental implant. When a crown completes an implant, you get the result that looks and feels the most like a natural tooth. We surgically place the implant post in the jawbone to provide unmatched stability compared to other tooth replacement options. You can care for crowns and implants just like your natural teeth.
Caring for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can last 15-20 years or more, but only if properly managed. This starts by ensuring you brush at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. Preferably, brush and floss after every meal or rinse your mouth with water when you eat. Be sure to use toothbrushes with soft bristles and toothpaste that are non-abrasive, as those things can scratch the surface of the dental crowns. Make sure you gently brush at the gumline to ensure nothing is getting under the crown.
You also have to visit the dentist bi-annually. Each time you come in for a checkup, we’ll examine the crown and ensure there’s nothing wrong with it. We look for damage and wear and check if the fit is correct. If there are any signs of wear or damage, we want to treat those as soon as possible to avoid worsening the condition.
Certain habits can increase the likelihood that your crown experiences damage. Avoid biting down directly onto the crown, particularly on hard or sticky foods. Don’t use your teeth to open packages; try to avoid any habit that involves chewing, like biting your nails or chewing on pens. If you grind your teeth at night, get a nightguard to protect your crown. You should also get a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
Schedule a Consultation
Can a dental crown treat your dental concerns? Call our dental office today to schedule an appointment.