Dental Crowns
Dallas, TX – Dental crowns or “caps” as they are also known, are a common dental procedure in cosmetic dentistry. When a tooth is badly decayed or damaged, dental crowns are usually the preferred method of repair. A crown can also be used to fit over a tooth that has a large cavity and not much tooth material remaining. Dental crowns can also hold broken or cracked teeth together. Placement of a crown over your existing tooth allows you to save the damaged tooth. It is also a desirable cosmetic dentistry solution since dental crowns are designed to look just like your own teeth.
A crown is like a hollow tooth that fits over your own damaged, decayed or discolored tooth. A crown can be made of metal, porcelain, resin or a combination of porcelain fused to metal. Metal dental crowns are the strongest but not the most cosmetically desirable. Resin crowns are the least expensive but in the long term, they will need earlier replacement. Porcelain fused to metal crowns are often the best option for their attractiveness and strength. In some cases, a metal strip may show along the gum line. This intensifies if the gum is receding. Solid porcelain dental crowns are usually only used for front teeth due to their highly attractive nature.
On your initial dental visit, x-rays will be taken to determine the damage to the root. In some instances, the tooth will be badly decayed and will require a root canal prior to the crown fitting but this is not the case for everyone. To begin the procedure, you tooth and surrounding gums will be anesthetized. Generally, your tooth will be prepared for the dental crown by filing it down along the sides and top. If the tooth is severely decayed, the interior may need to be built up to support the new crown. Once the tooth is cleaned and sized, an impression will be taken. Impressions of the teeth above or below the damaged tooth are also taken to ensure that your bite is properly aligned. This impression is sent to a lab where permanent dental crowns are made. In the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary crown. Your dentist will instruct you on any limitations the temporary crown will have.
When permanent dental crowns are ready, your dentist tests them for fit, comfort and appearance. It is important that your bite is not affected and that the dental crown fits tightly around the tooth. Once the crown is polished and determined to fit properly, it is permanently placed over the tooth with dental cement.
Most dental crowns will last for many years provided you maintain good oral hygiene habits. The tooth underneath the crown is not immune to decay so proper flossing and regular dentist visits will still be necessary. If you feel looseness around any dental crowns, see your dentist right away. A loose crown can allow fluids to leak in, causing decay. If the cement does not hold and a crown comes out, clean the tooth and the crown thoroughly. Replace the crown with dental adhesive and see your dentist to have it re-cemented. Your dental crowns will not require any special care, just the same care you would give to your regular teeth.
Biographical Info: Phillip Crum is the Chief Idea Officer of Sir Speedy Walnut Hill located at 2414 Arbuckle Court Dallas, TX 75229, and is committed to the idea of helping small business owners do a better job of finding their next customer or client. He also runs a local search marketing firm, MarketingMeasure and employs those additional capabilities in the overall marketing services menu of offerings. Phillip can be reached at 214-213-7445, or pcrum@MarketingMeasure.com.