A Dental Crown Overview: What You Need To Know
Think you may need a dental crown? Read on to learn more about this dental restoration. Teeth are the strongest part of our bodies; however, they are also easily harmed by day-to-day activities like drinking and eating. When teeth are damaged or decayed, dental crowns serve as caps or covers to restore their shape, strength, size, and appearance. If properly maintained, dental crowns can last between five to 15 years or even more. They are essentially a long-term investment in your dental health and function.
When is a dental crown needed?
Dental crowns are custom-fitted coverings that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. They are used mainly to restore severely damaged and decayed teeth. Sometimes, a dentist might recommend them for aesthetic reasons to brighten and misshapen teeth. Crowns could be made from several materials like porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, or metal, each with differing longevity, looks, and price advantages.
Some of the conditions where a dental crown might be necessary include:
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold a cracked tooth
- To restore a broken or worn-down tooth
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover a dental implant
- To improve smile aesthetics
Getting a dental crown
First, the dentist will examine the extent of damage and the suitability for a crown. This might include taking dental X-rays of the roots of the tooth and adjacent bone. Next, the dentist will reshape the tooth to accommodate the crown. This process requires removing part of the outer layer of the tooth to fit the crown.
They will take an impression of the tooth to model the crown after reshaping. The impressions of the teeth above or below the receiving tooth are also made to ensure a well-aligned bite. The dentist will then fit a temporary crown over the reshaped tooth while the permanent crown is in production. This temporary crown is made of acrylic-based materials and secured with temporary adhesive.
When the final crown is ready, patients will return for a follow-up visit. After removing the temporary crown, the dentist will place the new crown over the tooth to check the fit. The dentist may make minor adjustments to ensure the crown matches the surrounding teeth.
When the fit is satisfactory, the crown is cemented onto the tooth, covering the visible portion above the gum line.
Caring for dental crowns
Proper maintenance extends the life of a dental crown. This includes good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods and teeth grinding, and regular dental checkups. Although crowns protect the underlying tooth, the gum line is susceptible to decay and disease, so keeping the gum healthy is important.
Final note
Modern advancements in dental technology, including digital impressions, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are making the creation and fitting of dental crowns quicker, easier, and less invasive for patients. Dental crowns are a key element in restorative dentistry, providing both functionality and aesthetics that can improve a patient’s quality of life. If you have a damaged tooth that requires a dental crown, consider booking an appointment today for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://alcott.cohensgentledental.com or call Cohen's Gentle Dental at (718) 502-8183 for an appointment in our The Bronx office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crown in The Bronx, NY.
Related Posts
Dental crowns are the most popular restorations administered by a general dentist. Their ability to completely cap molar teeth makes them unique. Additionally, there are many options when it comes to the material that dental crowns are made of. This gives patients the ability to weigh the pros and cons of each material, allowing for…
CEREC® crowns have become a popular dental restoration option. They offer convenience, ease, and efficiency to patients needing to restore or repair a tooth that is in bad shape. CEREC® crowns are newer to dentistry, meaning some individuals are still unfamiliar with what they are and how they work. Ready to find out more?Below is…
Dental bridges, also referred to as tooth bridges, are one of the most common ways to restore and replace teeth. They are used within general dentistry in order to improve a person’s oral and dental functionality. In this article, we discuss what a tooth bridge is and how it functions. This information can be helpful…
General dentistry refers to all routine procedures and care that is done to help individuals maintain good oral health. One procedure that unfortunately happens to be routine is tooth extraction. Extractions are needed when a general dentist determines that a tooth is too unhealthy to remain in the mouth. Of course, some require extraction due…