What’s a dental crown? Do you need one? It’s not so difficult to recognize the need for this common restorative treatment. Here’s how to know whether or not you’re likely to require a dental crown in Pea Ridge, AR.
When a Dental Crown Is the Solution
Your dentist will likely recommend a dental crown when you have a decayed or damaged tooth that needs more help than a simple filling can provide. Dental crowns may be used on teeth in the front or back of the mouth.
Answer the following questions to learn whether or not you need a dental crown.
- Do I have a weak or worn tooth?
- Am I experiencing severe tooth pain or sensitivity?
- Am I missing a single tooth?
- Do I have serious cosmetic issues in the front teeth?
- Is my tooth broken or fractured?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, a dental crown may be just the solution you need. Your doctor will fully explain your treatment plan and answer any questions you have to help you understand just what’s going on in your mouth.
But… What Is a Dental Crown?
Ok, let’s slow down a little bit. Also called a cap, a dental crown is a thin, tooth-shaped covering that is bonded securely around the affected tooth. It’s a fixed restoration that can only be removed by your dentist. Dental crowns can be made from a number of materials, including porcelain, porcelain fused-to-metal, gold, and metal alloys. The one that’s right for your treatment depends on the location of the tooth, your budget, and your preference.
Procedure for a Dental Crown
The process for placing a new dental crown takes two visits to Combs & White Family Dentistry. In the first appointment, your dentist will assess the damage, remove any decay, and reshape your tooth to make room for the dental crown. Enamel must be removed to help the cap fit securely with the surrounding teeth.
You will wear a temporary crown between your first and second visits. The temporary covers up the prepared tooth — but it is not meant to withstand excess pressure or force. Be careful with this restoration. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth, and avoid sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods until the treatment is complete.
Once your permanent crown has been manufactured according to your unique oral anatomy, you revisit our office for its final placement. Your dentist removes the temporary and checks the fit, feel, and appearance of the new crown. When everything looks just like it should, the permanent restoration is bonded securely on top of the affected tooth.
Prevent Decay With Regular Preventive Care
Of course, it’s best if you never need a dental crown. You can prevent the need for restorative care with excellent preventive dentistry and at-home hygiene. Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months.
When was your visit to Combs & White? Schedule an appointment today!