Crowns

What are crowns?

If the outer layer of a tooth (enamel) experiences damage due to an accident, injury, or a cavity, there’s no way for it to regenerate. However, it’s possible to protect and restore the tooth with dental crowns. 

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that restore a tooth to its near-original size, shape, and strength. This allows you to bite and chew, without experiencing further damage.

What conditions can benefit from crowns?

Crowns can address a variety of oral health problems. Dr. Kelly might recommend a crown to:

• Protect a weak or cracked tooth
• Restore a broken or worn down tooth
• Cover severely discolored teeth
• Attach to a dental implant
• Hold a dental bridge in place

He also uses dental crowns to make cosmetic modifications. 

What is the procedure for getting dental crowns?

Getting dental crowns takes two separate appointments spaced several weeks apart. At your initial consultation, Dr. Kelly conducts an oral exam, reviews your oral health history, and asks about your goals for treatment. He then takes digital X-rays to get a closer look at your damaged tooth and the underlying roots.

Next, Dr. Kelly administers a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums. Once the anesthesia kicks in, he prepares your tooth to receive a crown by carefully removing a thin layer of enamel from the top and sides. He then takes impressions of your tooth and sends them to a lab that manufactures your permanent crown.

Lastly, Dr. Kelly applies a temporary crown to your tooth. This allows you to bite and chew during the waiting period. 

A week or two later you return to Choice Dental. Dr. Kelly once again administers a local anesthetic, removes your temporary crown, and bonds the permanent crown to your affected tooth. The process takes about 60 minutes and you leave the office with a fully functional set of teeth.

Do crowns last forever?

Crowns don’t last forever, but if you take good care of them, they can function for 10-15 years, and in some cases, even longer. To keep your crowns in great shape, brush and floss daily and visit Choice Dental every six months for a professional teeth cleaning and exam.

It’s also important to avoid bad habits like nail-biting or chewing on ice cubes. These, and other hard objects, may cause your crowns to chip or crack.

To learn more about the benefits of dental crowns, schedule an appointment at Choice Dental. Book a consultation online, or call the office and speak with a friendly team member today.