When teeth are severely decayed or damaged, dental crowns may be able to restore them so they do not have to be extracted. Dentists prefer to leave natural teeth in the mouth whenever possible. A crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth, restoring its original function, appearance, and strength.
Placing a crown traditionally requires two visits. The tooth is prepared during the first visit, and the data needed to create the crown is sent to a dental laboratory. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth, and a second visit takes place within a week or two to cement the permanent crown in place once it is ready.
The following steps are usually involved in preparing a tooth for a dental crown. They may not always take place in the same order, and there may be some variations.
At the first appointment, the dentist may take X-rays to check the tooth and its roots, as well as the bone that surrounds it, to be sure that it is healthy and stable enough to support the crown. However, if you have recently had dental X-rays taken, this step may not be necessary.
The dentist uses a local agent to numb the area around the tooth receiving the crown. You should not feel anything during the procedure.
The dentist takes impressions at two points during the preparation process. The preliminary impressions are made with a gel-like material called alginate and are used as a model to make your temporary crown. The final impression is made with a putty-like material called polyvinyl siloxane over the prepared tooth. This mold is used to make a permanent crown that fits exactly over the tooth and matches up with the teeth opposite.
Alternatively, many dentists are now using digital imaging technology to scan images of teeth to collect the data needed to make molds for dental crowns. Your dentist may take either one impression or none at all.
Reshaping is the most crucial step in preparing the tooth. To fit a crown, the outer structure of the tooth often has to be reduced in size by removing some of the enamel. If the tooth has been filled in the past, the filling material is removed as well. The dentist uses tools to remove precise amounts of the tooth. How much material needs to be removed depends on the type of crown. If it is all metal, less tooth material needs to be removed because all-metal crowns are thinner than other types.
Conversely, sometimes the tooth may be so damaged or decayed that a large area is missing. In this case, the dentist may have to use filling material to build up the tooth enough so that it can support the crown.
The materials used in dental crowns are highly durable and are designed to last for many years. However, it is important to take proper care of this type of dental work because damage and wear and tear can still occur. First and foremost, make oral hygiene a high priority. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. These practices will lower your risks of developing tooth decay and gum disease, which can affect the lifespan of a dental crown. See your dentist at least twice a year for routine cleanings and checkups to help control tartar buildup and detect any potential issues early on.
It is also important to monitor your dietary and lifestyle habits. Extremely tough or crunchy foods can damage a crown, especially if you consume them often. Chewing on foreign objects or grinding your teeth can also cause a crown to chip or crack, requiring a new one. While porcelain crowns are highly resistant to staining, they can become discolored if you smoke or consume a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the adhesive used to mount the crown in place. This is also true of mouthwashes that contain high concentrations of alcohol, so look for alcohol-free alternatives instead.
Temporary dental crowns are placed at the first visit after the teeth are prepared. Once a permanent crown comes back from the lab, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent one cemented in place to restore the patient's tooth. Dental crowns can last for many years with proper care.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistoaklandca.com or call Laurel Smile Dentistry at (510) 530-3317 for an appointment in our Oakland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Oakland, CA.
General dentistry offers multiple ways to cure bleeding gums, with many of them being simple solutions. Bleeding gums should not be ignored; they could be caused by something as minor as brushing too aggressively or something as serious as chronic gum disease. A visit to a dentist is in order if your gums often bleed…
When it comes to general dentistry treatments, many individuals are perplexed and overwhelmed. They are unsure about what a root canal or extraction is. Perhaps they are scared they will require the procedure or do not understand what it entails. Knowing what to expect from these treatments may help calm your nerves and make your…
Curious about what general dentistry professionals recommend for healthier gums? Read on to find out. Your gums support your teeth. If the gums and underlying jawbone are weakened, then teeth are vulnerable to becoming lost if left untreated for an extended amount of time. The good news is that you can have healthier gums through…
General dentistry helps you to deal with issues like toothaches. Toothaches are your brain’s way of telling you that there is something wrong with a tooth. It can be caused by things like tooth decay, damage to a tooth’s structures, or infection. A mild toothache that goes away on its own is often not a…