If you damage a tooth while playing sports or you develop a large cavity, your dentist might recommend placing a crown to prevent further problems. Crowns are a type of oral prosthetic that strengthen and support a weak or decaying tooth. The team of expert dentists at RenovaSmiles, regularly use crowns to restore their patients’ smiles. For a dental crown, make an appointment today by calling the office nearest you or clicking the online booking tool.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that address damage or decay. It is very common to require a dental crown after a root canal or treatment for a large cavity.
Once placed, a dental crown covers the portion of your tooth that sits above your gum line. In addition to improving the appearance of your affected tooth, a crown restores your chewing and biting abilities.
Are there different types of dental crowns?
At RenovaSmiles, the team offers several different types of dental crowns, including:
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Zirconia
- Metal
The type of crown you most benefit from depends on many factors. When selecting the material for your crown, your RenovaSmiles provider considers factors like:
- Your tooth’s location
- The function of your tooth
- How much of your tooth is remaining
- The color of your surrounding teeth
Your personal preference also plays a role, so make sure to speak up and ask questions during your initial consultation.
After conducting an exam and gathering all of the necessary information, your dentist can make recommendations for a crown that best aligns with your needs.
Does it take more than one appointment to receive a dental crown?
Receiving a dental crown typically takes two separate appointments. At your first appointment, your dentist conducts an exam, asks you about your goals for treatment, and takes a series of digital X-rays to get a closer look at your tooth roots and jawbone.
If your gums and jaw are healthy and there’s no infection present, your dentist moves forward with treatment.
First, your dentist administers a local anesthetic. Once the anesthetic sets in, they prepare your tooth to receive a crown. To do this, your dentist carefully files down your tooth and removes a thin layer of enamel.
Afterward, your dentist takes a mold of your tooth. Your dentist sends your mold to a laboratory that manufactures your permanent crown. Finally, your dentist places a temporary crown on your tooth to protect it.
A week or two later, after the laboratory completes your permanent crown, you return to RenovaSmiles. Your dentist once again administers a local anesthetic and then lines up your permanent crown with your tooth and bonds it in place with dental cement.
How do I care for my dental crown?
Caring for a dental crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. The team at RenovaSmiles recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once each day, and visiting the office every six months for a professional cleaning and exam.
You should also avoid biting your fingernails, chewing on ice cubes, and using tobacco. By following these tips, your crown can last for between 10-15 years.
To learn more about dental crowns, make an appointment with the team at RenovaSmiles by calling the office nearest you or by clicking the online booking tool.
