What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are a form of dental restoration used to cover and protect an existing tooth. Also commonly referred to as ‘tooth caps’ or ‘dental caps’, crowns completely cover the remainder of the natural tooth and gum line to reinforce the structure of the tooth and to provide stability and durability.
Dental crowns look and function just like natural teeth and may be recommended to you if you have extensive decay, cracks, or chips in your tooth. They help to restore the appearance of your natural teeth and stabilize your facial structure by keeping your jaw and bite aligned.
When Might You Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown procedure may be recommended to cover a broken or damaged tooth when too much of the original tooth structure is missing to hold a traditional tooth filling.
Dental crowns can greatly improve the function and cosmetic appearance of your teeth by helping to prevent further damage and retain the gaps left behind by missing teeth.
A dental crown procedure may be needed to:
- Protect a tooth that has been damaged/weakened due to tooth decay, clenching or grinding
- Help hold together parts of a cracked tooth or restore an already broken tooth that has been severely worn down
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there are small amounts of natural tooth structure left (e.g. root canal therapy)
- Hold a dental bridge in place in order to cover missing teeth
- Cover dental implants
- Cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- Make cosmetic modifications to your smile.
What are Dental Crowns Made of?
There are several types of dental crowns to choose from based on your personal preference and your dentist’s recommendation.
Dental crowns are usually made from porcelain or ceramic and are matched by our dentists to suit the exact color and texture of your natural tooth. They can also be made from stainless steel, metal (gold and other alloys), porcelain fused to metal, and composite resins.
The type of material you choose to use will depend on your desired outcome for your tooth (stronger, more translucent, laminated, etc.) and will also determine the cost of the dental crown.
The highly-trained and professional dentists at VIPcare Dental will discuss these options with you in order to help you decide which dental crown material is best for you.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Permanent dental crowns should last anywhere between 10-20 years depending on the quality of the dental crown material and level of dental care.
After your crown is fitted, it is important to take extra care when brushing and flossing around crowned teeth as the edge of the tooth on which the dental crown sits is still subject to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
A good daily oral care regimen is imperative if you wish to maintain the longevity of your dental crown and the good condition of the underlying natural tooth.
To ensure that your restorations remain in excellent condition after they are fitted, we encourage you to schedule regular dental visits for preventative care and professional dental cleanings.
Dental Crown Procedure Steps
It typically takes two appointments for our team at VIPcare Dental to make and place a new dental crown for a patient.
Step 1: On your first appointment, our dentists will prepare the tooth by removing a layer of the tooth’s outer surface. The dental crown will be the same size and thickness as the layer removed.
Step 2: In order to make the dental crown fit perfectly, our dentists will take a mold of your tooth and send it away to a dental laboratory where a technician will use the mold to create a custom-fitted permanent dental crown.
Step 3: Our dentist will most likely insert a temporary crown during your first appointment while your permanent crown is being prepared in the dental lab. A temporary crown is typically worn for 1-2 weeks.
Step 4: Once your permanent crown is ready, you will be called back for your second appointment where our highly-skilled dental team will color match and fit your new dental crown using the best dental cement for crowns available to ensure durability and longevity.
Looking After Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are considered one of the best solutions for damaged or missing teeth and with proper oral care, they can last for more than a decade.
To ensure the longest possible lifespan for your dental crowns, it is essential to care for them in the same way you would your natural teeth, as they are still prone to tooth decay and damage.
This includes brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly to ensure that our professional team of dentists at VIPcare Dental have a chance to inspect the condition of the dental crown.
At VIPcare Dental we are committed to providing our patients with the best care and most affordable dental crowns in Ocala, for more information on dental crowns, or to schedule your free evaluation, call us today! (+1 352-306-0062)