Understanding the nuances of dental crowns is crucial when considering this treatment. Our guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information, ensuring that you can make an informed decision regarding your dental health.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are special restorations that are custom-made to fit perfectly over your tooth. Dental crowns are specially made to help repair and enhance the size, shape, strength, and overall look of a tooth that has been damaged or weakened.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

  1. To Protect a Weak Tooth: Teeth weakened by decay, large fillings, or fractures are prone to breakage. A crown can protect and strengthen these teeth.
  2. To Restore a Broken or Worn Tooth: Crowns are often used to restore teeth that have been severely worn down or broken.
  3. For Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can also be used for aesthetic improvements, altering the shape, alignment, and color of teeth.
  4. After Root Canal Treatment: A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment often requires a crown to protect it from further damage.

Types of Dental Crowns Available

  1. Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: Ideal for front teeth due to their natural color and texture.
  2. Gold and Metal Alloys: Known for their durability, these crowns are typically used for back teeth.
  3. Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM): A combination offering both strength (metal) and aesthetics (porcelain).
  4. Zirconia: A strong and aesthetically pleasing option growing in popularity.

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

  1. Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a consultation, where we assess the need for a crown and discuss options.
  2. Preparation of the Tooth: The tooth is reshaped to make space for the crown.
  3. Impressions: Accurate impressions of your tooth are taken to create a custom crown.
  4. Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed while your permanent crown is being made.
  5. Fitting of the Permanent Crown: Once ready, the permanent crown is fitted, adjusted, and cemented into place.

Advantages of Dental Crowns

  • Durability: Crowns are designed to last many years, making them a long-term solution.
  • Improved Oral Function: They restore the functionality of damaged teeth, enabling normal eating and speaking.
  • Aesthetic Improvement: Crowns can significantly improve the appearance of your smile.
  • Protection: They provide a strong protective layer for weakened teeth.

Considerations Before Getting a Dental Crown

  • Longevity and Maintenance: While durable, crowns may eventually need replacement. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential.
  • Sensitivity: Some patients may experience sensitivity to hot and cold immediately after getting a crown.
  • Color Match: It’s important to match the color of the crown with your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
  • Cost: The cost varies depending on the material used and the complexity of the procedure.

Why Choose Cornerstone Dentistry for Your Dental Crown?

  • Expertise and Precision: Our team of dental professionals is skilled in the art and science of crown placement.
  • Personalized Care: We understand that each patient’s needs are unique and offer personalized treatment plans.
  • Advanced Technology: We utilize state-of-the-art technology for precise fitting and aesthetically pleasing results.
  • Patient Comfort and Satisfaction: Our priority is to ensure a comfortable experience and satisfaction with the results.

Post-Procedure Care and Maintenance

After the placement of a dental crown, ensuring its longevity and maintaining overall oral health require adherence to specific care and maintenance practices. At Cornerstone Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of post-procedure care for your new crown. 

By following these guidelines, you can help extend the life of your crown and maintain the health of your surrounding teeth.

Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in caring for your dental crown. Just like your natural teeth, crowned teeth require regular and thorough brushing and flossing. This prevents plaque buildup, which can lead to decay at the edge of the crown or gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to clean around the crown and gum line effectively. 

Flossing is equally important; gently slide the floss around the base of the crown to remove food particles and plaque. Additionally, consider using an antiseptic mouthwash to further inhibit bacterial growth and maintain healthy gums.

Regular Dental Visits

Routine dental check-ups are essential for the long-term success of your dental crown. During these visits, our dental professionals at Cornerstone Dentistry will examine the crown to ensure it remains well-fitted and free from damage. 

These appointments also include professional cleanings, which remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing might miss. We also assess your overall oral health, checking for any signs of potential issues that could affect the crowned tooth or surrounding teeth.

Avoiding Hard Foods

While dental crowns are designed to be durable, they are not indestructible. Chewing on hard foods, ice, or other hard objects can cause damage to your crown, including cracks or chips. 

We advise against using your crowned tooth to bite into extremely hard or sticky foods. If you grind your teeth at night, consider getting a night guard to protect both your natural teeth and the crown from excessive wear.

Additional Tips

  • Temperature Sensitivity: Some patients experience sensitivity to hot or cold after getting a crown. This usually diminishes over time, but if it persists, contact us for a check-up.
  • Oral Habits: Avoid habits that can damage your crown, such as nail-biting, chewing on pens, or using your teeth to open packaging.
  • Follow-Up Care: If you feel any discomfort or unevenness in your bite after the procedure, it’s important to come in for a follow-up appointment. Sometimes minor adjustments are necessary for optimal comfort and functionality.

By following these care and maintenance tips, you can contribute significantly to the longevity of your dental crown and maintain your overall oral health. Remember, your crown is an investment in your smile, and taking proper care of it is crucial for reaping the maximum benefits. At Cornerstone Dentistry, we are always here to assist and guide you in the proper care of your dental crown and all other aspects of your oral health.

Common Questions About Dental Crowns

Q: How long do dental crowns last?
A: Dental crowns typically last between 5 to 15 years, but with proper care, they can last much longer.

Q: Is the process of getting a crown painful?
A: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Some sensitivity or soreness may be experienced after the anesthesia wears off, but this is usually temporary.

Q: Can crowns be whitened like natural teeth?
A: No, crowns cannot be whitened. If you are considering teeth whitening, it should be done before getting a crown.

Q: How much do dental crowns cost?
A: The cost varies based on the type of crown and specific patient needs. We provide detailed cost information during the consultation.

Dental crowns are a highly effective solution for restoring and protecting damaged teeth, as well as enhancing your smile. At Cornerstone Dentistry, our aim is to provide exceptional care and results that not only meet but exceed your expectations. 

Contact us for a consultation where we can discuss your specific needs and how a dental crown can benefit you. Embrace a future of improved dental health and confidence with Cornerstone Dentistry by your side.