Over time, your teeth can crack, chip, fracture, lose shape, or discolor due to factors such as dental trauma and tooth decay. It can affect your smile and chewing ability, as well as affect the quality of your life. If not treated, teeth damage can also lead to further tooth loss and bone issues. Your dentist may recommend dental crowns to save your existing tooth and prevent further damage.
Dental crowns are tooth-colored and shaped caps placed over damaged teeth to hide the damage. Since the crown covers the tooth’s visible part, it restores its size, shape, appearance, and strength. It’s worth noting that dental crowns aren’t ideal for everyone. For instance, if you have only minor tooth damage, your dentist may recommend alternative treatments such as veneers and bonding.
You should first visit a dental office near you for an exam to see if dental crowns are the right treatment for your condition. The dentist will examine your mouth and tooth’s condition to determine the most appropriate treatment. If the tooth damage is too significant to repair with a crown, the tooth may have to be removed and replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or denture.
A dental crown is ideal for the following situations:
You can choose any of the following crown materials, based on your cosmetic needs, the location of the damaged tooth, and budget.
On the downside, sometimes the underlying metallic part can show at the gum line through a dark line. The crown can also cause wear to the opposing teeth and they tend to chip or break off easily. These crowns are ideal for both back and front-tooth restorations though.
The process of getting a crown can either be a same-day or multi-day procedure. The procedure involves:
With same-day crowns, you won’t need a temporary crown. The dentist begins by administrating local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. Next, the dentist shaves the tooth’s enamel and takes a digital picture of your mouth. The dentist uses the image scans to create the crown in the office, which takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Once the crown is ready, the dentist cements it into place, and you’ll be all set to go home. Please note that not every dentist has the technology to make same-day crowns. Consult your dentist whether the option is available and the estimated cost.
With traditional crowns, the dentist begins by numbing the area around the damaged tooth. Next, the dentist files down a part of your tooth’s enamel and takes impressions of the tooth and surrounding teeth. The records are sent to the lab, and the dentist puts a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it. When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the customized one in place.
For more information about dental crowns treatment, contact Lexington Dental Group today.
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