Dental Crowns: A Versatile Dental Treatment
A dental crown is a cap that goes over a damaged tooth with the purpose of restoring its appearance and functionality. This treatment is used for many different reasons, the most common being due to a large cavity that can’t be fixed with a filling. If a tooth is severely decayed, weakened or cracked, a crown can help preserve and protect what’s left of it. Other common cases a dental crown is used for is during the restoration process for missing teeth and after a root canal treatment. For the missing teeth, a crown may be necessary to put in a dental bridge or tooth implant, and after a root canal, when the tooth is very fragile, a crown can provide the protection it needs.
The Dental Crown Procedure
The installation of a dental crown is typically done over two sessions. In the first appointment, the dentist prepares the tooth by taking X-rays, molds of your teeth and mouth, and color shade tests to match the crown to the color of the rest of your teeth. Then the tooth is filed down, removing the damaged parts and outer layer. A temporary crown is then placed to protect it. All the impressions are sent to a dental lab and used to create the permanent crown. In a second visit, your dentist removes the temporary crown and places the permanent one with dental cement. The dentist will ensure it fits properly and from then on you are able to use the crown just like you would your natural teeth.
Aftercare
It’s important to take good care of your dental crowns to make sure they last as long as they can and work properly. Besides your usual oral healthcare habits, you should also keep in mind the following tips:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, carefully and with a soft brush.
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, because the area of the crown can become sensitive to heat or cold.
- Avoid chewing ice or very hard foods. Your crown, as well as your healthy teeth, can get cracked or chipped because of this.
Dental crowns are a great alternative to protect and improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth, and act as a support for restorative procedures like dental bridges. We are happy to discuss the best options with you. Please call our office in Frisco, TX to schedule an appointment today.
