Our teeth experience daily wear and tear. After a while, a tooth may need to undergo a dental procedure to stay healthy and effective. Like fillings, dental crowns are part of a this and can benefit your smile.
Are you considering dental crowns in Palm Beach Gardens or wondering what to expect when getting a crown? Keep reading to learn about dental crowns, the procedure to receive them, and more.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dentists use crowns to cover a tooth. It is a cap, shaped like a tooth, that helps restore the size and shape of the tooth it covers. They cover the entire tooth down to the gum line and are relatively painless to install.
What Kinds of Dental Crowns Are There?
Dental crowns come in different materials, including:
- Stainless steel: These types of crowns are cost-effective and usually temporary.
- Resin: Resin crowns are cheaper than other materials but not as durable. They can wear down over time or become fractured.
- Ceramic or porcelain: These types of crowns look more natural than others due to their color. If a patient has a metal allergy, porcelain crowns are a solid alternative.
- Metal: Metal crowns work well for molars in the back of the mouth. They are more durable than other materials and last the longest.
What Problems Can Dental Crowns Have?
If you have permanent dental crowns, your crown may:
- Chip
- Become loose
- Have discomfort
- Fall off
- Cause an allergic reaction
Why Get Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns help to:
- Cover a tooth with a filling
- Cover an implant
- Hold a dental bridge in its position
- Restore a broken or worn-down tooth
- Protect a cracked tooth
Children may also get dental crowns to save teeth that a dentist is unable to fill.
What Is the Procedure Like?
The procedure to receive dental crowns stretches over several visits. Here’s what to expect when getting a crown.
The First Visit
The first visit consists of X-rays and a tooth examination. Depending on the tooth’s health, it may be necessary to undergo a root canal first.
Your dentist will then prepare the tooth and create a mold. The first step in this process is to reshape the tooth and add filling material as needed. If your tooth is missing a significant portion, the dentist may need to fill it in so it can support the crown.
The next step is to create a mold of the tooth with putty or a digital scanner. This mold helps the dentist create a realistic crown for your tooth. They will create impressions of the surrounding teeth and make a note of the color.
Before you leave, the dentist will affix a temporary crown to the tooth. Your temporary crown protects the tooth while the dentist creates your permanent one.
The Second Visit
The dentist affixes a permanent crown on your second visit. They use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth before installing the crown with cement.
Do’s and Don’ts
When undergoing the process of receiving crowns, there are some do’s and dont’s to consider. While wearing your temporary crowns:
- Don’t eat sticky food that may remove the temporary crown
- Don’t chew hard food that may break the crown
- Do chew with the opposite side of your mouth
- Do floss by sliding rather than lifting to not pull off the crown
Do’s for Permanent Crowns
Your tooth is still susceptible to tooth decay even when covered with a crown. After receiving your permanent crown, maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine. This involves brushing at least twice a day. You should also rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash and floss every day.
Proper care is essential to maintaining your permanent crowns. On average, a crown can last between five and 15 years if you maintain it.
Get a Dental Crown in Palm Beach Gardens
If you have questions about what to expect when getting a crown or taking care of dental crowns, Mark L. Civin D.S.S. P.A. can help. Call (561) 624-2224 to book an appointment today.
