Everything You Need to Know about Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a common and versatile dental treatment designed to restore and protect damaged teeth. Whether your tooth has suffered significant decay, endured a fracture, or requires cosmetic enhancement, a dental crown can be the ideal solution. If you’re planning to have a dental crown in Massachusetts, this guide will provide you with all the essential information to help you feel confident and informed about the process, from start to finish. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Dental Crowns

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits snugly over a damaged tooth. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, restoring the tooth’s shape, size, and strength, all the while improving its appearance.

Dental crowns are often recommended to patients when a tooth is too impaired to be repaired with a filling, but not damaged enough to warrant extraction.

Crowns play an essential role in dentistry by:

• Protecting weakened teeth from further damage.
• Restoring the functionality of teeth for chewing and speaking.
• Alleviating jaw pain and aligning a bite.
• As part of a full-mouth reconstruction.
• Enhancing the overall look of your smile.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own benefits:

1. Ceramic Crowns: Known for their natural appearance, ceramic crowns are often used for front teeth. They blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and are resistant to stains. Thrive Dental Co. uses ceramic crowns 99% of the time due to their durability.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, however since ceramic crowns have gained popularity they are not as common.
3. Gold Crowns: Made from gold or other metal alloys, these crowns are highly durable but are not as popular as they once were.
4. Composite Resin Crowns: Composite resin crowns are often an affordable option. These crowns offer a decent aesthetic appeal but may wear down faster than other materials.

Your dentist will recommend the best material based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

‍

Dental Crown Procedure

Here’s how the process of dental crowns works, from start to finish.

‍

Initial Consultation

Your journey to a dental crown begins with a consultation. During this visit, your dentist will first examine your tooth using X-rays and other diagnostic tools. Then, the dentist will discuss the need for a crown and recommend the most suitable material. During this time, you’ll also be able to ask any questions or voice any concerns you might have.

‍

Preparation of the Tooth

Once the decision is made to proceed with a dental crown, the next step involves preparing the tooth. This typically includes:

• Reshaping the Tooth: The dentist trims down the tooth to create space for the crown.
• Taking scans: Molds or digital scans are taken to ensure the crown fits perfectly.

‍

Temporary Crown Placement

While your permanent crown is being crafted in a dental lab, a temporary crown will be placed over your tooth. This protects the tooth and maintains its function until the final crown is ready. Some practices will mill the crown ‘in-house’ which could mean that a temporary crown is not necessary, however, Thrive Dental Co. prefers to use professional labs to achieve the best quality and craftsmanship.

‍

Permanent Crown Fitting

At your next appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary crown. Then, your dentist will fit and adjust the permanent crown for comfort and proper bite alignment. Once that’s done, the dentist will cement the crown securely in place, completing the restoration.

‍

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Restorative Benefits

Dental crowns restore the function of teeth that have been damaged by decay, fractures, or extensive wear. They allow you to chew, bite, and speak comfortably.

‍

Cosmetic Improvements

Crowns can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth by:

• Covering discoloration or staining.
• Correcting the shape or size of a tooth.
• Enhancing the symmetry of your smile.

‍

Longevity and Protection

With proper care, dental crowns can last 10-15 years or longer. They provide a protective barrier, preventing further damage to the underlying tooth structure

‍

Caring for Your Dental Crowns

Once your dental crown is in place, it's critical to maintain your dental crown. To ensure the longevity of your dental crown, make sure to brush and floss daily to maintain oral hygiene. In addition, avoid chewing hard foods, such as ice or hard candies, to prevent chipping. Last, but certainly not least, use a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping.

Routine check-ups are crucial to monitor the health of your crown and the underlying tooth. Your dentist can also address any minor issues before they become major problems.

Potential Issues and Solutions

Although dental crowns are highly effective, some patients may experience potential complications or issues. These might include:

• Sensitivity: Temporary discomfort, especially with hot or cold foods, which usually subsides after a few days.
• Poor Fit: If the crown feels uncomfortable or interferes with your bite, adjustments can be made.
• Loosening: Over time, a crown may loosen. This can often be fixed by re-cementing it.

Don’t wait until the issue gets worse. Contact Dr. Jenny at Thrive Dental Co. if you experience:

• Persistent pain or discomfort around the crowned tooth.
• Visible cracks or chips in the crown.
• Signs of infection, such as swelling or gum redness.

‍

Improve your Teeth with Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for damaged or weakened teeth. They restore function, enhance appearance, and protect your oral health. If you’re considering a dental crown in Massachusetts, Thrive Dental Co. is here to help.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jenny today to learn more about dental crowns and discover how they can improve your smile. Your journey to a healthier, brighter smile starts here!

‍