A dental crown is like a protective cover placed over a tooth. Dentists use crowns to make weak or damaged teeth strong again. Crowns restore the tooth’s function as well as improve its appearance, giving you a natural look. If you’re getting dental crowns near you, it’s natural to wonder what the process will be like and how it can benefit your smile long-term.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is like a cap that saves or enhances the shape and size of a tooth. Materials for creating crowns vary; they could be metal, porcelain, or even both. The dentist will use the material based on the tooth area and issue. Additionally, how well a dental crown suits your case.
Crowns are often used for:
- Covering an already weakened tooth (for example, after a root canal)
- Repairing a fractured or worn-down tooth
- Concealing stained or irregularly shaped teeth
- Holding dental bridges in place
Types of Dental Crowns
There are different types of dental crowns, each made from specific materials. The type of dental crown you need will depend on the dentist’s recommendations. Here are the common types of dental crowns:
- Porcelain crowns: Most patients favour this option because it maintains the natural appearance of teeth. Porcelain crowns are often used for front teeth since they blend in with the rest of your smile.
- Metal crowns: These crowns are made of precious metals like gold or steel, which makes them very strong and durable. They are often used for back teeth where strength is more important than appearance.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns: These crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. They are a good option for front and back teeth.
- Ceramic crowns: Their colour resembles that of natural teeth, and they are made of durable materials, making them another good choice for front teeth. They are also a great option for people with metal allergies.
- Resin crowns: These are relatively inexpensive, use a plastic-type material and coloured. However, they don’t get used much because they tend to be more premature-wearing when compared to other crowns.
Every kind has its merits and demerits. Your dentist will guide you in selecting the most suitable option from the various kinds of dental crowns depending on where the crown needs to be placed and your personal preferences.
Step-by-Step Process of Getting a Dental Crown
1. Initial Examination
The first step is to get an appointment with a dentist. In this appointment, the following occurs:
- Your dentist is going to take a closer look at your problematic tooth
- They might take some X-rays to see whether the tooth ever has had interior abrasion or even caries.
If the tooth has more damage than initially expected, then your dentist might recommend root canals before a crown is placed by the dentist on the teeth.
2. Preparing the Tooth
Once a decision has been reached on whether a crown is necessary, the dentist will work on your tooth.
- Numbing the area: First, local anesthesia will be injected or applied around the tooth to the patient. So that the patient does not experience any painful sensations during the dental process.
- Shape of the tooth: Your dentist will shape your tooth so that the crown fits comfortably. This process usually involves removing some parts of the outer layer of the tooth.
If your tooth is small or broken, your dentist may have to place filling material to strengthen it so that your crown can be placed on it.
3. Taking Impressions
- An impression of the respective tooth will be made by the dentist using either soft putty or a digital scanner. This impression is crucial for making a crown that goes on the patient’s tooth accurately.
- In the process of modifying the tooth, a temporary crown will be added over that tooth. It will serve the same role as the permanent tooth crown while permanent crowns are fabricated in the laboratory. The temporary one is, however, much weaker than the permanent one, so you will have to be cautious with it.
4. Fitting the Permanent Crown
Approximately after some weeks, your permanent crown will be ready. At your follow-up appointment:
- The dentist will take away the temporary crown
- Examine whether the permanent crown is accurate and coloured appropriately
- If everything looks fine, the dentist will cement the crown in place. This glue-like cement helps support the crown firmly to the tooth.
What to Expect After the Procedure?
It’s normal to feel a little sensitivity after getting a dental crown. Here are some things to expect:
- Numbness: The area around the tooth may feel numb for a few hours after the procedure, but this will wear off.
- Sensitivity: Your tooth might feel sensitive to hot or cold for a few days, but this should go away.
- Mild discomfort: It’s also normal to feel mild discomfort for a few days. If you feel severe pain, you should contact your dentist.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Dental Crown
Taking care of your dental crown is important to make it last as long as possible. Here are some tips:
- Brush and floss regularly: Keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day.
- Avoid hard foods: Hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels can damage your crown, so it’s essential to avoid consuming them.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups by a dentist are important to ensure your crown stays in good shape.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?
A well-cared-for dental crown can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the material and how well you take care of it. Good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits can help make your crown last longer.
Restore Strength and Beauty of Your Teeth With A Dental Crown Today!
At Inspire Dental Group, we specialize in providing quality dental crowns to restore the strength and beauty of your teeth. Our crowns are designed to protect damaged teeth while giving you a natural-looking smile. With a focus on patient comfort and care, our experienced dentist in Vancouver ensures a smooth, stress-free experience.
Ready to restore your smile? Contact Inspire Dental Group today to schedule your appointment and learn more!
