According to the most recent data, only 65.5% of adults visited the dentist during one year. Dental visits are important because they help you learn about the state of your oral health and how you can improve it if needed. Dental education should include learning about your oral health as well as dental procedures in case of cavities, gum disease, or other oral issues. If you have never heard of dental crowns, we’re here to teach you all about them.
At Newbury Dental Group, we’re passionate about helping our patients feel confident about showing off their pearly white smiles. With quality patient care and state-of-the-art technology, we help bring out our patient’s best smiles.
If you’re wondering what a dental crown is, keep reading to find answers to all the most common questions patients have about dental crowns.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a hollow, fake tooth. It looks just like a regular tooth and covers the entirety of your tooth.
The crown is cemented into place and can be made to blend in with the rest of your teeth. Usually, other people won’t even be able to tell that you have a dental crown!
Are There Different Types of Crowns?
There are several types of crowns you can choose from, all at varying price points.
There are metal-based crowns available, usually at a lower cost. These may be made of materials like gold or metal. These types of crowns tend to last the longest and rarely break or chip.
If aesthetics are important, metal-based crowns are best used on teeth that are not visible when smiling. There are also porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns available. These can be made to match the rest of your teeth.
Ceramic and porcelain crowns are the best options if you’re looking for the most natural-looking crowns. These may, however, wear down surrounding teeth a little more than other types of crowns.
Why Would I Need One?
You may be wondering if you currently need a crown or when you might need one. Dental crowns are usually either a preventative or restorative measure. There are several reasons why your dentist might suggest a dental crown.
If a tooth is decaying a crown may be placed over it to protect it or hold it together. If you have a worn down or cracked tooth a crown may be placed over it to restore its appearance.
Dental crowns may also be placed over a tooth that is breaking apart around a large filling. They can also help keep a dental bridge in place.
Crowns are also used for purely aesthetic reasons like to cover a severely misshapen or discolored tooth.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
It’s natural to wonder how long an investment like a crown can last. Dental tooth crowns can last anywhere between 5-15 years. This amount of time that your crown lasts will largely depend on your oral health practices.
If you brush twice a day and floss daily, your crown is likely to last a much longer time than if you only brush once a day or don’t floss.
If you grind your teeth, make sure to invest in a night guard to help make your crowns (and other teeth) last longer.
Does It Hurt to Get a Crown?
It’s no secret that sometimes dental procedures are less comfortable than some. The good news is, getting a dental crown shouldn’t be any more painful than getting a filling.
Also, getting a crown placed is a non-surgical procedure, so there won’t be recovery time afterward to worry about.
Your dentist will make sure to numb your mouth before the crown is placed. This may be done with a numbing jelly, but it’s likely your dentist will also inject an anesthetic near the site where the crown will be placed.
After the procedure, once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort or sensitivity. Your gums may feel irritated or inflamed, but these symptoms should improve within a few days and disappear in a few weeks.
What Is the Process of Getting a Crown?
Sometimes, before a crown can be placed, other dental work must be done to the underlying tooth. This can include procedures like root canals, bone grafting, or gum surgery.
Once that is taken care of, your crown procedure can be scheduled. The process starts with reshaping your tooth (if applicable) so that a crown can be fitted over it. This may include filing down the side.
If a large portion of your tooth is missing, your dentist may also use filling material to make up for it so the tooth can support a crown.
Next, you will be fitted for the crown. Your dentist will make an impression of your tooth as well as the teeth below it, to ensure your crown won’t mess up your bite.
Your mold will then be sent to a lab where your crown will be professionally made and returned to your dentist’s office within a couple of weeks. In the meantime, your dentist will give you a temporary crown.
Once your crown is ready, your dentist will once again numb your mouth before the official crown is placed.
How Do You Care for A Crown?
The wonderful thing about dental crowns is that they don’t require more work than your regular teeth!
Dental crown treatment is as simple as making sure you’re on top of your oral health. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily and your crown should last as long as possible.
Ask About Our Dental Crowns
Now you know all about dental crowns and what to expect if you ever need one. While dental procedures are never fun, crowns are a fairly easy procedure.
At Newbury Dental Group, we’re here to help with crowns or any other questions you have. Contact us today to find out more about dental crowns or anything else!