Tooth enamel is incredibly strong. In fact, it is the toughest substance in the entire body. That being said, it isn’t completely indestructible. Teeth can become damaged in various ways, including through decay, injuries, and accidents. Fortunately, you don’t need to say goodbye to your tooth just because it’s seen better days. At Capron Park Dental, we offer dental crowns to build up and protect your damaged teeth. If you think you may benefit from a new dental crown or you want more information, give us a call!
Why Choose Capron Park Dental for Dental Crowns?
- We Welcome Dental Insurance
- Lifelike, Ceramic Restorations
- Trios 3D Scanner In-House
What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap crafted from high-quality dental materials. It fits directly over a damaged tooth to restore its form and function. Since dental crowns are single dental restorations that are designed to cover a damaged or weak tooth, they have been proven to be a great way to treat a variety of dental issues, including:
- Building up and protecting teeth with decay that is too extensive for a dental filling.
- Assisting a tooth that has already suffered from decay, been filled, and needs additional support.
- Repairing a tooth that has suffered from trauma that’s compromised its structure and stability.
- Making over a tooth that has a major cosmetic flaw, like discoloration from metal fillings.
- Holding a tooth together that has become weak and is at risk of cracking into pieces.
- With the help of a dental implant, a dental crown can be attached for a great tooth replacement solution.
- Covering a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy to reduce its risk of further infections.
The Dental Crown Process
The procedure for a dental crown is usually completed over two visits to your dentist’s office. During the first appointment, your dentist will plan out your treatment and prepare your tooth for the dental crown. This involves removing decayed and damaged portions of the tooth and a small amount of enamel. The enamel removal is necessary for the crown to fit comfortably over your tooth without appearing bulky or causing crowding. Impressions are taken and sent to the dental lab. You will be given a temporary crown to wear for a couple weeks as your permanent one is being made. Once it’s ready, you can return for your second visit to have your final restoration placed.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns offer various benefits. Here are some of the most notable ones.
- Comfortable
- Natural-looking
- Customized
- Protects underlying tooth
- Lasts 15+ years
- Improves chewing ability
- Increases confidence
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Many patients getting dental crowns are unsure whether their new prosthetic is intended to be taken out regularly like dentures, or whether it’s a permanent part of their smile. The truth is that these tooth-shaped caps are cemented over injured or damaged teeth to restore and preserve them and aren’t meant to be removed. Plus, for it to fit correctly, our team must thin the enamel of your troublesome tooth, which doesn’t regenerate. That means this treatment involves an irreversible change to your grin.
However, they often last 5 to 15 years, but don’t usually stick around forever and will likely require replacement at some point down the road. In that regard, dental crowns are not considered ‘permanent.’
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
It’s natural to want to avoid procedures that might hurt, but our Capron Park Dental team is here to assure you that we’ll do everything we can to ensure you remain comfortable throughout your procedure. We’ll start by administering a local anesthetic around your injured tooth to prevent it from sending any pain signals to your brain while we work.
As a result, you won’t have to worry about aches until after your procedure. It’s normal to experience some sensitivity for a few days after some of your enamel is removed in preparation, but it typically fades on its own. Then, once your dental crown is placed, you might experience some mild discomfort as you adjust to its presence on your tooth.
Usually, it’s safe to take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce any crown-related discomfort. If you experience persistent or severe pain that lasts a week or longer, contact us so we can ensure you’re recovering as intended.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
If you’re worried that your restoration might eventually develop decay, you can set your concerns aside. These prosthetics are typically made from resilient ceramic that can’t get cavities like your natural teeth. However, that doesn’t mean you no longer need to worry about your dental condition because the underlying tooth is still susceptible.
You can keep your injured tooth and its new cap in excellent condition by maintaining a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice daily. You should also visit our team in Attleboro every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning so we can monitor your condition to catch and address any areas of concern, like weakening enamel, before it progresses.
How Do I Know if My Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
You already know that your prosthetic likely won’t last forever, but how do you know when it’s time for a replacement? The only way to be certain is to contact our team for an appointment. We’ll examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the condition of your dental work and suggest solutions if needed.
Some indicators that let you know your restoration is nearing the end can include:
- Pain. Throbbing and sensitivity in or around your crown can point to underlying decay. Our team will remove your prosthetic to repair the damage and then evaluate whether it can be recemented over your tooth or whether a new one is required.
- Instability. If your tooth feels wobbly or loose, especially when eating anything overly hard or sticky, contact us so we can check it for damage or eroded bonding material.
- Worn appearance. If it’s stained, chipped, cracked, or otherwise looks worse for wear, investing in a replacement can boost your confidence.
