Dental crowns are covers placed over damaged teeth. They are used to protect and restore your teeth when fillings aren’t enough. For example, if your tooth cracks, leaving only 50% of the original tooth. It will be reshaped to exclude the damage and then covered with a crown that is shaped like the original tooth was. It is a common procedure in most dental offices. They can be made of either ceramic, porcelain, gold or base metals.
Reasons to Get Dental Crowns
These handy little covers do more than just help the look of your smile! They also perform various functions that really make a big difference in your health.
Here are just a few:
- Protect Weakened Teeth from Experiencing Further Damage
- Attaches Bridges
- Provides Full Functionality
- Completes A Dental Implant Placement
- The Implementation is Versatile
- Great Long-Term Option
- High Success Rate
Dental Crown Procedure
Consultation through your dentist is required for this procedure. The traditional method of crown placement happens within 2-3 appointments. There is advanced equipment that allows some dentists to take digital impressions and craft restorations in the same appointment.
A temporary crown is fitted while the permanent one is crafted, although some dentists can create and place crowns on the same day. A dentist should safely secure a crown for maximum strength, efficiency, comfort, and beauty. The materials used will depend on the placement and preference.
Considerations for Dental Crowns
There are some reasons to give this option a good vetting. Crowns are ideal, but might not for everyone. Before you make your decision, here are some considerations:
- The tooth being crowned will need to be filed down, which can be extensive and irreversible.
- There can be some discomfort shortly after the procedure, including sensitivity. Usually this can be remedied by special toothpaste and adjusted height of the crown.
- Allergic reactions may occur depending on the material used. Luckily, there are a lot of options!
- Dental Crowns tend to be more expensive depending on the material used.
Alternative Treatments
If you are not totally sold on the idea of a crown, there are other routes. Fillings can serve a similar purpose, but are not a good long-term solution if your tooth is really damaged. Fillings might also cause the damage to get worse, depending. Veneers can work the same way, but like fillings, they will only cover a portion of your tooth, not the entire thing. The amount of damage should be considered in this decision. If it is significant throughout, crowns or another method might be the way to go. Your dentist will advise.
Bottom Line for Dental Crowns
When considering dental restoration, there are a lot of options and considerations. The worst decision you can make is to do nothing. Damaged teeth left unchecked will only get worse and will affect your life in ways you don’t even want to think about, let alone your smile. The best thing you can do is to visit your dentist and see what they suggest. Ask them if dental crowns are necessary. If you don’t understand why, don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you can! Here’s a quick video to recap on how dental crowns work!
Need to book an appointment or looking for a dentist? At Miami Valley Smiles, we understand how dental problems like tooth decay, broken and missing teeth can affect not only your oral health but your ability to enjoy your favorite foods and smile with confidence. We use only the most advanced technology and materials and will do whatever it takes to make your experience with us as quick and comfortable as possible.
At Miami Valley Smiles in Mason, Ohio, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, or if you’re due for a cleaning, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. Your oral health is our top priority, and we’re here to provide you with the best care possible. For more information or to book an appointment, contact call us directly.
