Many people face the issue of missing teeth or have damaged teeth. Instead of ignoring a tooth problem until it gets worse, you should address the issue in the early stages to avoid any serious infection. Dental crowns are a long-lasting solution for many tooth problems.
They are designed to restore full functionality and protect your teeth from further damage or decay.
Here are six essential things you should know before getting a dental crown to help you make informed decisions and ensure a successful treatment outcome.
Purpose of Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and function. Crowns are commonly used to treat teeth with large fillings, severe decay, fractures, or after root canal treatment. They can be made from various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these.
Understanding the purpose, benefits, and materials of dental crowns will allow you to have meaningful discussions with your dentist and make informed decisions. It can help you estimate the cost of the treatment as well.
Consultation
Whether you are getting dental implants or a dental crown, schedule a consultation with your dentist to know more about the treatment process. During this visit, your dentist will examine your tooth, discuss treatment options, and address any concerns you may have.
It is important to communicate your expectations and concerns to your dentist to ensure a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Preparing the Tooth
To accommodate the crown, your tooth needs to be prepared. It involves removing a small portion of the tooth’s outer surface and reducing its size. This process is done under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Your dentist will then take impressions of the prepared tooth to create a custom crown that fits precisely.
Temporary crowns are typically placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
Temporary Crown Care
While waiting for your permanent crown, you will wear a temporary crown. It is important to take extra care of the temporary crown as it is not as strong as the permanent one. You should avoid sticky or hard foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Make sure to brush gently around the temporary crown, and floss carefully to prevent dislodging it.
Placement of the Permanent Crown
Once your permanent crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit, color, and shape of the new crown. After making any necessary adjustments, the permanent crown will be cemented into place using dental adhesive.
Experienced dentists will ensure that the crown is aligned correctly with your bite and feels comfortable. It may take a few days to adjust to the new crown, but if you experience persistent discomfort or bite issues, contact your dentist.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is essential to maintain the longevity of your dental crown. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a non-abrasive toothpaste.
Make sure to floss daily, paying attention to the area around the crown.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential to monitor the health of your crown and surrounding teeth.
