At Gardens Dental Spa, a dental crown is a restoration that fits over your entire tooth, replacing the visible surface area above the gum line. A crown restores a tooth that has fractured or is significantly weakened by decay or a large filling. Many patients choose to get dental crowns for cosmetic reasons as well.
In addition to being protective and aesthetically pleasing, crowns can improve your ability to chew and speak properly. With missing teeth, chewing can be difficult and even painful. Properly made and placed, your crown will comfortably fit over your tooth and restore it to full function. It will also ensure that your other teeth don’t shift out of place to fill the space left behind by a missing tooth. And, as with any restoration, getting a crown can improve the appearance of your smile so that you feel confident and attractive all the time.
The Procedure for Dental Crowns
First, your dentist will completely numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Your dentist will then prepare the tooth receiving the crown by removing the decay. Then, they will shape your tooth so a crown can fit over it and have a sound bite. A mold of your tooth will be made and sent to the lab so they can create a crown that matches your tooth’s size, shape, and color. The lab typically takes one to two weeks to complete your custom-fitted permanent crown. Once your crown is ready, you’ll return to your dentist’s office to have it placed. When your new crown is in place, it should feel comfortable and natural in your mouth. It’s the perfect option for restoring your smile! Brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist twice yearly for routine exams and cleanings are all essential for preventing gum disease and keeping your smile healthy.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Protecting a tooth from further decay or damage. This could mean protecting teeth that are weak or already damaged to keep them healthy enough to support other treatments, such as root canal therapy.
- Improve your smile's appearance by covering teeth that are significantly discolored or misshapen. Dental crowns can also restore the look of teeth that have minor chips or other imperfections.
- Misshapen or misaligned teeth can make it harder to chew and speak properly. Porcelain crowns are custom-made to look like natural teeth, restoring proper chewing function so you can eat and speak comfortably.
- Supporting a bridge, dental implant, or complete denture appliance. Crowns can be used with these restorations to provide added stability and support for better comfort and wearability.