Your natural teeth are precious and we want to save them the best we can. When they are damaged or decayed, our goal is to restore their appearance and function. For dental issues, such as irregularly shaped teeth, gaps in teeth, tooth decay and a root canal aftercare, a dental crown is our recommended treatment.
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a permanent dental fixture to cover a damaged or decayed tooth after treatment. It’s used to improve the appearance of the teeth and at the same time to make it stronger.
Aesthetically, a crown is used to even out the shape of the teeth, bridge-in gaps, improve alignment and bite (dental occlusion) and cover discolored teeth. On the other hand, a crown also strengthens the teeth and prevents it from breaking.
Use and Purpose
A dental crown is a versatile dental device that resolves various teeth issues, such as:
1. Protect a weak tooth from breaking due to decay;
2. Hold together parts of a cracked or a broken tooth;
3. Restore a worn-down tooth;
4. Support a tooth with a large filling;
5. Cover discolored or misshapen teeth;
6. Follow-up procedure to root canal treatment;
7. Support a dental bridge;
8. Cover a dental implant; and
9. For cosmetic dental purposes.
The Procedure
Normally, a dental crown procedure takes two trips to the dentist. The first visit is to assess and prepare the tooth and the second one is to permanently place the crown. The duration between the dental visits varies depending on the condition of your teeth and the manufacturing time. A temporary crown may be used to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
Assessment and Preparation
The first on the schedule is to prepare the crown. But before doing just that, your dentist may take several images (X-ray) of your mouth to ensure the roots and the surrounding bone are healthy. If there is decay or an injury to the tooth or if there’s a risk of infection, a root canal treatment will be recommended by your dentist.
When a tooth is deemed ready for a crown, the next step is to reshape the tooth surface and sides. The area will be numb as the reshaping can cause some pain and sensitivity. The length of the procedure varies depending on the amount to be removed and the type of crown to be used.
In cases that there’s only minimal tooth left to hold the crown, a dental filler will be used to build up the tooth and support the crown.
A tooth impression will follow after to make the correct fitting crown and make sure that it won’t affect your bite. It can be done manually or through the use of a digital scanner. Said impression will be sent to a dental laboratory to fabricate the crown. It takes about two to three weeks to manufacture the crown. A temporary crown will be placed into the shapen tooth for cover and protection.
Attaching the Permanent Crown
This dental visit is short and sweet, to fix the permanent crown in place. Your dentist just has to ensure the correct fit and if the color matches the other teeth. Once everything is in order, the crown will be cemented to the tooth. Since it’s permanent, only your dentist can remove it when needed.
Is a Dental Crown Right for You?
If your teeth fall under any of the conditions mentioned earlier, then a dental crown is a good option for you. If you want to restore the appearance and function of your teeth, then you should opt for a crown.
Your dentist can further validate in the assessment if a crown is the best treatment for you or if there are any other procedures that need to be done first, such as a root canal treatment.
Dental Crown in Indian Trail
If you think that dental crowns can help resolve your teeth problems, then take an immediate trip to your neighboring dentist in Indian Trail to have your teeth examined.
Nexus Dental offers the best and most affordable metal-free crowns. Contact us or book an appointment today.
Bring back your beautiful and healthy smiles with a crown! Only at Nexus Dental in Indian Trail.
