Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that is placed over your tooth, to either restore its shape or size, or to improve its appearance. Dental crowns last from 5 to 15 years, depending on wear-and-tear and your oral hygiene practices.

Dental crowns are needed in many different situations. A tooth may weaken due to decay, and it could break or crack. A crown would be used in this situation to restore it or hold together cracked parts of a tooth. A tooth that is already broken or worn down would benefit from a crown. A crown is also used to hold a dental bridge in place, or to cover a dental implant. For aesthetic purposes, dental crowns are used to cover discolored teeth.

The procedure required for preparing and placing dental crowns usually consists of two visits to our office.

In the first visit, your dentist will take a few X-rays to observe the roots of your teeth and the surrounding bone. Your dentist will be checking for any potential infection or extensive decay, which may be helped first by a root canal. After the X-rays, your dental team will make the crown. This involves numbing the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. The tooth is then prepared to make room for the crown; the space needed is determined by the type of crown material. Your dentist will make an impression of the tooth, as well as surrounding teeth to determine how the crown will fit and work with your bite. After this visit, the impression of your teeth are sent to a lab, where the crown will be made. During this process, the proper color is selected to match your other teeth. You may receive a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being made.

In the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of your permanent crown. The permanent crown is then cemented to your tooth.

Your crowned teeth should be cared for as you would your other teeth. Follow good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash once a day. Your crowned teeth are subject to decay and gum disease, as with all of your other teeth. While they do not require special care, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene as recommended by your dentist.

Your crowns are sturdy – but it is important to avoid biting your fingernails, chewing ice, or using your teeth to open packaging. Dental crowns may chip; this is a simple repair unless the chipping is extensive. Dental crowns may also loosen if the cement washes out. Contact us at Pheasant Run Dental to secure your loose crowns.

Following the placement of your dental crown, the tooth and surrounding area may be sensitive. If you are experiencing pain when you bite down, this may mean the crown and bite need to be adjusted. Contact us at Pheasant Run Dental if you continue to experience pain while biting. Allergic reactions may occur in response to the material of the dental crown. If you are experiencing irritation, contact us at Pheasant Run Dental.

It is possible for a crown to become loose or come off. If this happens, contact us at Pheasant Run Dental immediately for instructions.