Benefits of Dental Crowns
Damage to your teeth can result from a variety of factors, such as injury, decay, or normal wear and tear. Patients commonly experience pain in back teeth that have fillings due to cracks in the chewing surface of the tooth. In front teeth, aging fillings can weaken the teeth and cause stains or chips. Crowns utilizing high-grade porcelain, or porcelain bonded to metal, offer renewed strength for the affected tooth. Crowns also serve as the foundation in supporting teeth when patients need bridges for missing teeth. For patients who have previously had root canals, a dental crown can help prevent the tooth from breaking. Additionally, the porcelain of the crown makes the renewed teeth look natural, helping to return a broken or stained tooth to a more normal appearance.
Dental Crown Procedure
When you visit the dentist for a dental crown, the dentist will remove the decayed parts of the tooth, shape and fit it with a temporary crown (made of either plastic or metal). This provides an immediate solution while your permanent crown is created in the lab.
Temporary Crowns
The temporary crown serves to protect the exposed tooth while you wait for your permanent crown, to avoid sensitivity, damage, or the buildup of food or bacteria on the exposed tooth. The temporary crown also prevents the tooth from shifting or moving. If your tooth shifts, it could not only affect your bite, but could make seating the permanent crown more difficult. It’s important to remember that temporary crowns are just that – they are essentially a plastic or metal “cap” to protect your tooth in the short-term. It is important that after your temporary crown is placed, you avoid drinks that are very cold or very hot; you’ll also want to avoid tough foods, as well as sticky treats like gum or peanut butter. These sticky or chewy foods could pull your temporary crown out of place.
Getting Your Permanent Crown
Once your permanent crown is ready, the dentist will cement it firmly into place and your tooth will look and feel like new. If your permanent crown is placed and you realize your bite feels “off,” you may need to have the dentist adjust it. Although crowns repair a damaged tooth, continue to maintain good dental hygiene as your underlying natural tooth structure is still vulnerable to decay.