If you’ve been told by your dentist that your tooth needs a dental crown, you may be wondering what this means and how it differs from a regular filling. Here’s a closer look at this regal treatment, and how to care for your crown so it restores your smile for as long as possible!
What is a Dental Crown?
Think of a dental crown like a large filling. However, instead of your dentist removing a small amount of enamel and filling it in with composite resin, to get a crown they typically remove a larger amount of damaged enamel and create the crown at a dental lab. Furthermore, unlike traditional fillings, dental crowns fit over your tooth like a cap and are cemented in place. They are made from impressions of your existing tooth, so they both look and feel just like the rest of your smile. Because they are durable and long-lasting, you can use them to eat a full diet, and since they can be made from materials like ceramic or porcelain, they can be matched nearly identically to your other teeth.
What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?
The first step in your dental crown procedure is to numb your tooth and its surrounding area, so you stay comfortable during treatment.
Next, your dentist will make an impression of the damaged tooth to send to the dental lab and have your crown made. Once the impressions have been created, your dentist will remove the damaged enamel from your tooth, leaving behind only healthy tooth, which will be reshaped so your new crown fits comfortably on top. He may also take impressions of the remaining tooth for the underside of the crown.
Now that the tooth has been reshaped, your dentist will make a temporary crown that will be cemented in place until your permanent crown is ready. Be sure to be very careful with it, as it is not attached as securely as the permanent one will be and can come loose from brushing, flossing, or chewing anything too sticky or crunchy.
In about two weeks, your new crown will arrive at your dentist’s office from the dental lab, and you’ll be scheduled to have it placed. At this time, your dentist will remove your temporary prosthetic and attach the permanent one. You will be able to immediately begin using it to eat a full diet, and you should be able to resume your normal activities after your appointment.
Caring for Dental Crowns
Now that your smile has been restored with your new dental crown, it’s important to care for it properly so it lasts as long as possible. Here are a few tips to help make the most of it:
- Don’t use your crown to chew anything but food. Never use it (or your other teeth) to tear open packaging, bite fingernails, or gnaw on pen caps.
- Brush and floss your crown just as you would your natural teeth; however, be careful not to get your dental floss caught underneath it.
- You can clean your crown with the same toothbrush and toothpaste that you use on your other teeth; however, your dentist recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Please note that whitening toothpaste and products do not work on dental crowns, and thus if it becomes discolored, speak to your dentist about your options.
Remember, with proper use your new dental crown could last up to ten years or more, but only if you’re diligent about your oral hygiene and careful about how you use it. To learn more about how this treatment could help you, schedule an appointment with your dentist today!
About Our Practice
At Pleasant Grove Family Dentistry, Dr. Torin Marracino and Dr. Nick Cockerell are proud to offer a wide range of dental treatments right here in our friendly office. If your tooth has suffered significant damage and has been prescribed a dental crown, schedule an appointment for a consultation with us today. We can explain all the amazing benefits of this treatment, and help restore your healthy, beautiful, pain-free smile! To book your appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 903-838-9700.