When you are having dental issues and have a damaged tooth, you may be wondering what your options are. After consulting a dentist, you may find out you are a good candidate for dental crowns. But what exactly are these?

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are essentially a cap that is placed over your tooth. It covers the tooth to help restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. This cap will fully cover and encase the visible portion of the tooth. A dental crown may be needed to:

• protect a weak tooth from breaking
• restore a broken or severely worn down tooth
• cover and support a tooth with a large filling
• hold a dental bridge in place
• cover misshapen teeth
• cover severely discolored teeth
• cover dental implants

Adults aren’t the only candidates for dental crowns. Children may need crowns on their “baby teeth” to:

• save a badly decayed tooth that can’t support a filling
• protect the teeth at high risk of tooth decay
• help children with their dental care due to age or medical history

Types of Dental Crowns

There are a variety of different types of dental crowns including:

• porcelain
• ceramic
• zirconia
• metal
• composite resin
• a combination of materials

The most popular type of crown used is all-porcelain crowns. They are made entirely of porcelain material and provide the best and most natural look. They can be matched to the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth.

Dental Crown Procedure

If you are a candidate for dental crown services, the procedure will generally require two visits. During the first visit, the dentist will examine and prepare the tooth. After X-rays are taken to look at the roots of the tooth and the surrounding bone, the tooth receiving the crown will be reshaped to make room for the crown. Then, an impression of the tooth will be made to help create the permanent crown. A temporary crown will be made and attached to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being made.

The second visit is where you will receive the permanent dental crown. The temporary crown will be removed and the dentist will check to be sure the new crown will fit and the color is correct. Your tooth will be numbed and the new crown will be permanently cemented in place.

How Should I Care for My Dental Crown?

Your new dental crown does not require any special care other than continuing to follow good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash daily. You should also try to avoid hard and sticky foods to prevent damage to the crown.

How Long Will My Dental Crown Last?

The average dental crown will last anywhere from 5 to 15 years depending on how well you follow good oral hygiene practices and the amount of “wear and tear” the crown is exposed to.

Contact Us

When it comes to dental crowns, you have choices. One crown does not fit all. When you talk to the team at Lake Hill Dental Care, serving the Burnt Hills, Clifton Park, and East Glenville, NY areas, we can help determine if you are a good candidate for dental crowns as well as which type would work best for you, your lifestyle, and your dental needs. For more information or to set up a consultation, please give us a call today.