Dental crowns are an excellent treatment. Not only do they restore the strength of damaged teeth, but they also restore their beauty. You can feel good about eating hard foods and posing for photos!
A dental crown procedure usually takes a couple of visits to the dentist's office at least. But what questions should you ask when you're there?
Read on for our guide to 8 questions about dental crowns to ask your dentist.
1. What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a small covering that is placed over a tooth. It completely covers the tooth, and you cannot see any part of the natural tooth once it is in place.
A dental crown looks like a tooth, and there are very realistic materials on the market today. They are usually very thin and strong. With proper care, they can last for many years.
2. When Would I Need a Dental Crown?
If you have any of the following conditions, your dentist may advise you to get a dental crown:
- cracked tooth
- broken tooth
- support a large filling, possibly root canal filling
- for cosmetic realignment
- worn tooth
- attach to a dental implant
Dental crowns are both a restorative and cosmetic procedure. They remove the damaged part of the tooth, leaving a plug. The dentist then attaches the crown to the tooth using dental cement.
The benefits of dental crowns include restoring the strength of the tooth and helping you to retain the tooth. They also restore the natural appearance of the tooth. The color of the crown will be matched to your existing teeth.
They are a great choice for improving your dental health. If you have broken teeth or want to improve the appearance of misaligned or discolored teeth, talk to your dentist about dental crowns.
3. What Alternative Are There to Dental Crowns?
In many cases, dental crowns are the best option. However, if your tooth is only slightly damaged, maybe with a small chip, veneers may be a viable alternative.
Dental veneers only cover the front part of the tooth. They can also correct alignment issues. But they cannot restore the strength of broken teeth like dental crowns can.
4. What Dental Crown Types Are Available?
In the past, most dental crowns were made of metal. A gold tooth, anyone?
But thankfully, those days are long gone. Although metal crowns are still available - and a super-strong option - they are not the most esthetically pleasing.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns are also popular. The porcelain is translucent like a natural tooth and gives a more pleasing appearance. Both materials are very strong and durable.
However, these crowns can leave a dark line around the bottom, which some patients don't like.
All resin crowns are cheaper than other options, but they are not as strong. They are also translucent and can be matched well to the natural color of your teeth.
All-porcelain, also known as all-ceramic, crowns are great for people with metal allergies. They are also very natural-looking. If you need to have a crown on a front tooth, most people prefer this type.
A new material that has become available is zirconia. This ceramic is super strong. They are often used as a bottom layer for porcelain crowns.
Porcelain fused to zirconia crowns gives you the benefit of the strength of zirconia, with the natural appearance of porcelain.
5. How Long Does The Process Take?
A dental crown procedure usually takes two appointments. You will need to wait about two weeks between appointments.
Some dentists offer single appointment crown fittings, but most require two visits. Single-visit crowns may not provide the same standard of comfort and strength that you achieve in two visits.
6. What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?
The first appointment focuses on preparing the tooth.
This will remove any decayed or broken parts of the teeth. The dentist will remove as little as possible but will remove anything that could weaken the tooth in the future.
If the dentist finds an infection, you may need to undergo further treatment before the crown fitting can happen. You will need antibiotics to clear the infection and may need a root filling if the root has become infected.
Once the dentist has shaped the tooth, he will take an impression. Either the dentist or a lab will use this to create your bespoke dental crown.
Your dentist will then fit a temporary crown. This will protect the tooth until your next appointment.
In the final appointment, your dentist will check the crown is a perfect fit for your mouth. He or she will make any minor adjustments at this point. When they are happy with the fit, they will cement the crown in place!
7. Do Dental Crowns Need Special Care?
Dental crowns themselves cannot decay, but you still need to brush carefully and floss daily. The natural tooth beneath the crown can still decay. It's important to keep to a strict oral hygiene routine to keep them in good condition for as long as possible.
8. How Long Will a Dental Crown Last?
With proper care, dental crowns should last for at least 15 years. Some last for decades. They are made of very strong materials and can withstand the daily wear and tear of biting and chewing food.
Metal crowns are particularly hard-wearing, as are porcelain fused to zirconia crowns. If you clench or grind your teeth, you may find that they do not last as long.
Choose Meng Dentistry for Your Dental Crown Procedure
If you have some cracked or decayed teeth that are still intact, dental crowns are the way to go. With proper care, they'll stay strong and look great for years to come.
At Meng Dentistry, your comfort and satisfaction are our focus. Our team is on hand to provide information about your treatment and ensure a comfortable experience throughout.
Click here to request an appointment today!