What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that fits over the top of an existing tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. We often use crowns for teeth broken, worn, or partially destroyed by tooth decay. We can also use a crown to protect a weak tooth from further damage or decay. Crowns are “cemented” onto an existing tooth and fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface.
There are several types of crowns available at Clark Dental Group. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong. We can help you decide which option is best suited for your needs.
When Are Dental Crowns Used?
Dental crowns are a fantastic option for restoring teeth to their full potential. Crowns look natural and can last many years with proper care. Even if you don’t have any visible teeth issues, wearing a dental crown offers preventive benefits that can help maintain good oral health in the long run.
We can use dental crowns in many different situations. We may recommend a crown if you have a cracked or chipped tooth or need to cover up discoloration or other cosmetic imperfections with your teeth. Crowns or onlays (partial crowns) are often needed when there is insufficient tooth strength to hold a filling or when replacing large fillings that no longer support your teeth. They are also commonly used after root canal therapy or if you have broken or severely worn down teeth.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
Placing dental crowns typically requires two visits to our office—one for preparation and one for placement. Unlike fillings which apply the restorative material directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression, which allows the dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements function like normal once we place the crown.
During the preparation visit, we will take impressions and x-rays of your mouth to create a custom-made crown that will fit perfectly on top of your existing tooth structure. On the second visit, we will cement the permanent restoration into place so that it looks natural and blends in with your smile flawlessly!
After you have your dental crown placed, it is crucial to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Additionally, use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush when brushing. It’s also important to visit Dr. Clark regularly for checkups to ensure the health of your teeth. In between appointments, let us know if you notice any changes or odd sensations in the area around your crown. You can look forward to a lifetime of healthy smiles with proper care and attention!
Quality Midlothian and Cedar Hill Dental Crowns
At Clark Dental Group, we understand how important it is to feel confident in your smile—sometimes, that means getting a little extra help from dental restorations like dental crowns! If you think dental crowns might be right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us today so we can set up your first appointment and get started on restoring your smile! We look forward to helping you achieve beautiful results that last!
