Dental crowns defined

A dental crown is a dental restoration that is placed over an existing tooth to restore its appearance and protect the natural tooth from damage. Each dental crown is custom-fit to the patient’s tooth, which ensures that it is the perfect size in relation to other natural teeth, providing the patient with an ideal appearance and ability to function at an optimal level. There are many benefits to dental crowns, including:

• Improved tooth size
• Restored appearance
• Protection of the tooth
• Durable and easy to care for
• Safe and non-invasive

Dental crowns are sometimes necessary to ensure the long-term protection of the tooth. The failure to treat tooth damage or decay can lead to tooth loss and the need for teeth replacement. We can also use dental crowns as a part of our dental implants process, particularly when only replacing a single missing tooth. There are also different material options with dental crowns, and the most appropriate type of material depends on whether the tooth is in the front of the mouth or in the back and the preference of the patient. The types of dental crowns include ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, metal alloy and gold alloy.

What to expect during treatment

The treatment process for each one of our dental crowns patients is different, although there are certain steps that are commonly involved. First, anyone who is interested in dental crowns treatment should arrange a consultation visit to discuss treatment. The consultation generally involves an oral examination and possibly dental X-rays so our team can get a better idea of the issue and the patient’s overall oral health.

If both the patient and our team agree that dental crowns are the best solution, then we can take a dental impression of the tooth, which is used to create the dental crown. We can also discuss material options that are available and help the patient decide which option is best, along with answering any other questions that they may have on the first visit. Once the crown is ready, then we schedule an additional visit to place the dental crown through a safe and non-invasive process.

After placement, we can provide information on the best way to make a quick and easy adjustment to life with the new dental crown. We can schedule follow-up visits to ensure that there are no issues and the patient is able to maintain good oral health.

When to consider dental crowns

Dental crowns are a good solution for a range of cosmetic and oral health complications due to the customization of each crown and the range of material options available. We may recommend dental crowns to treat one or more of the following concerns:

• Chips and cracks
• Severe decay
• Worn-down teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Weak teeth

Dental crowns are, at times, a better solution for more severe oral health concerns than dental veneers and other comparable options. There is a range of ways in which a tooth may become damaged and in need of a crown. Dental crowns work well for patients who have worn-down teeth due to teeth grinding, a chipped or cracked tooth due to a blow to the mouth or severe tooth decay. Dental crowns are also an option for tooth replacements as well, and we can attach a crown as part of our dental implants process.

For those who want a long-term solution that is easy to care for and can repair their tooth damage, decay or cosmetic concern, dental crowns are often ideal. We recommend crowns to those who may lose their tooth without treatment, and we can explain the pros and cons of all available options during the consultation visit so they know everything they need to know in order to make an informed decision for themselves.

Aftercare tips following crown placement

Dental crowns are durable and can last for well beyond a decade if the patient does what is necessary to ensure that they remain in good condition. Our cosmetic dentist team works with dental crowns patients long term to ensure that they make the restoration last as long as possible. There are certain things we encourage all patients to do after crown placement, which include:

• Practice good oral hygiene
• Limit harmful foods and drinks
• Protect teeth from grinding
• Visit the dentist regularly

First and foremost, patients need to care for their oral health properly by brushing, flossing and using mouthwash as directed, along with limiting hard or sticky foods that may cause concerns with the dental crown. For patients who have issues with teeth grinding, wearing a protective mouthguard is a great way to further ensure that your crown is protected long term. We strongly encourage regular check-up visits with our team as well, as we can check for any signs of a cosmetic or oral health complication, ensure that the gums are clean and in good condition and provide insights on how to continue caring for teeth properly.