A Dental Crown Overview: What You Need To Know

Think you may need a dental crown? Read on to learn more about this dental restoration. Teeth are the strongest part of our bodies; however, they are also easily harmed by day-to-day activities like drinking and eating. When teeth are damaged or decayed, dental crowns serve as caps or covers to restore their shape, strength, size, and appearance. If properly maintained, dental crowns can last between five to 15 years or even more. They are essentially a long-term investment in your dental health and function.

When is a dental crown needed?

Dental crowns are custom-fitted coverings that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. They are used mainly to restore severely damaged and decayed teeth. Sometimes, a dentist might recommend them for aesthetic reasons to brighten and misshapen teeth. Crowns could be made from several materials like porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, or metal, each with differing longevity, looks, and price advantages.

Some of the conditions where a dental crown might be necessary include:

  • To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold a cracked tooth
  • To restore a broken or worn-down tooth
  • To cover and support a tooth with a large filling
  • To hold a dental bridge in place
  • To cover a dental implant
  • To improve smile aesthetics

Getting a dental crown

First, the dentist will examine the extent of damage and the suitability for a crown. This might include taking dental X-rays of the roots of the tooth and adjacent bone. Next, the dentist will reshape the tooth to accommodate the crown. This process requires removing part of the outer layer of the tooth to fit the crown.

They will take an impression of the tooth to model the crown after reshaping. The impressions of the teeth above or below the receiving tooth are also made to ensure a well-aligned bite. The dentist will then fit a temporary crown over the reshaped tooth while the permanent crown is in production. This temporary crown is made of acrylic-based materials and secured with temporary adhesive.

When the final crown is ready, patients will return for a follow-up visit. After removing the temporary crown, the dentist will place the new crown over the tooth to check the fit. The dentist may make minor adjustments to ensure the crown matches the surrounding teeth.

When the fit is satisfactory, the crown is cemented onto the tooth, covering the visible portion above the gum line.

Caring for dental crowns

Proper maintenance extends the life of a dental crown. This includes good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods and teeth grinding, and regular dental checkups. Although crowns protect the underlying tooth, the gum line is susceptible to decay and disease, so keeping the gum healthy is important.

Final note

Modern advancements in dental technology, including digital impressions, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are making the creation and fitting of dental crowns quicker, easier, and less invasive for patients. Dental crowns are a key element in restorative dentistry, providing both functionality and aesthetics that can improve a patient’s quality of life. If you have a damaged tooth that requires a dental crown, consider booking an appointment today for a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://chambleedental.com or call Chamblee Dental Care at (770) 238-4316 for an appointment in our Chamblee office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crown in Chamblee, GA.

Recent Posts

Can A Dental Crown Break?

A dental crown may last a lifetime. But sometimes, even a good-quality crown can break. If your dental crown broke, it is important to find out what happened in order to avoid future problems. Read on to find out why dental crowns break.A dental crown is a restoration that is placed over a tooth to…

The Number Of Dental Visits For A Dental Crown

A dental crowns, also called a cap, forms the tooth's outer covering, protecting the tooth from decay and damage. A crown does not eliminate the need to visit your dentist in the future; you will still need to have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined regularly by your dentist. However, it can certainly help restore…

A Dental Crown For A Broken Tooth

Patients who have damaged teeth might want to consider getting a dental crown. One of the benefits of a dental crown is that it can protect the tooth and prevent extraction from being necessary. There are many kinds of materials, such as metal or porcelain crowns. Patients can also look for more natural options, which…

How Many Visits Does It Take To Get A Dental Crown?

When getting a dental crown, you might wonder how many visits you need to make before you can get the restoration. Usually, you can expect to have around two office visits to complete the process. There are several steps involved, so you might want to understand each one a bit better. Keep reading to learn…

Dr. Ganupur

Share
Published by
Dr. Ganupur

Recent Posts

Broken Tooth: 4 Common Causes

Tired of a broken tooth ruining your smile? Call or visit our Chamblee clinic to…

2 weeks ago

Clear Braces: A Discreet Solution for Crooked Teeth

With clear braces, patients should avoid certain foods that can stain or cause the braces…

3 weeks ago

Dental Bonding and Teeth Whitening

The dentist can fix a range of concerns with dental bonding, including most minor instances…

1 month ago

When Denture Repair is Needed

Dentures and partial dentures require denture repair as needed, depending on the stage of your…

2 months ago

How Root Canals Save Your Natural Tooth

A root canal can save your natural tooth and prevent you from needing a replacement,…

2 months ago

The Role of a Family Dentist in Preventive Care

Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…

3 months ago