How a Dental Crown Works

A dental crown is a “tooth cap” that can fit over the top of your tooth. It is usually a custom fit for your exact tooth to restore esthetics and function. A dental crown can restore your damaged tooth to function with just a few dental procedures.

What Can A Dental Crown Fix?

Dental crowns are a fix to many different tooth problems. Here is a list of what a dental crown may do for you:

• Chipped tooth: Sometimes, a chipped tooth can be better restored with a crown than a dental filling. If it is a small chip, a filling may do the trick, but a crown would likely be a better option if it is a large chip.
• Cracked tooth: Dental crowns help to hold a cracked tooth together and reduce its chances of fracture or tooth loss.
• Decayed tooth: Teeth that experience large amounts of decay aren’t usually as strong with the treatment of a large filling. Again, a dental crown could restore strength to this tooth.
• Root-canal tooth: A tooth that has had root canal treatment has had its blood supply removed from the tooth. This often makes your tooth more brittle and requires a dental crown following root canal treatment.
• Tooth replacement: Dental crowns can also serve as tooth replacement through treatments like bridges and dental implants.

What Should You Expect When Getting A Dental Crown?

A few minimally invasive steps are part of getting a dental crown. Many dental crowns require two appointments. The first appointment is known as the crown prep appointment. At this appointment, your dentist will prep your tooth by removing a small amount of tooth structure to make room for your new crown to sit. He will also take impressions of your teeth so that a custom crown can be made for your mouth. Then a temporary crown will be made and placed. You will wear this crown for about two weeks.

Two weeks later, you will return for your crown seat appointment. At this appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is cemented on. Your dentist will ensure that your bite is correct and that everything is comfortable for you.

Some dental offices have a special machine that allows them to make custom crowns in their office. This enables you to complete the crown prep and seat in one day.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

How long a dental crown lasts depends on several different variables. One significant variable is how the tooth prep and dental crown were done. Does it have good margins? Was all the decay appropriately removed?

Another big factor is how well you care for your dental crown. There are many things that you can be doing daily at home to ensure the best longevity for your dental crown:

• Brush your dental restorations and teeth twice a day.
• Floss your teeth and around your dental crowns once a day.
• Use a fluoride rinse once a day to help strengthen your teeth and keep them healthy.
• Limit sugary snacks, especially sticky ones that stick to your teeth.
• Increase water intake as this helps to flush out bacteria and plaque.
• Limit acidic or sugary beverages as they increase your chances of decay.

A dental crown done well with good homecare can easily last 15-plus years!

Our dentist can help you decide whether or not a dental crown is the best option for your dental needs. Since many factors go into determining your best treatment options, having a good dentist is crucial to help you make these important decisions and get the best care for your teeth! Need a dentist? Call our skilled dental team today!