subject: How Dental Crowns Can Really Help Restore Your Smile [print this page] How Dental Crowns Can Really Help Restore Your Smile
Dental crowns act as caps that help cover up decayed or fractured teeth and restore them to their regular size. Do you have a decayed tooth or a tooth that has been fractured? Are your teeth stained or do you have missing teeth? Do you feel like you often refrain from smiling just because you feel bad about the condition of your teeth? You shouldn't have to hesitate to smile. Dental crowns can restore the smile back to your face.
How do Dental Crowns work?
When a tooth breaks or cracks, it does not heal on its own. However, teeth that are damaged can be repaired with the help of dental crowns. These are customized replacement teeth that are made to match yours in shape, size and color.
What is the Procedure for Dental Crowns?
On your first visit, the dentist will first evaluate the condition of your existing teeth and will explain the many options available to you. Your dentist will recommend dental crowns if your teeth are damaged, decayed or stained or if they are cracked and need to be held together.
Once you've decided to go ahead with the procedure, the dentist will make an impression of your tooth and send it to a dental laboratory where it will be used to create a crown that fits perfectly over your existing tooth.
To have dental crowns can take anywhere between 1 to 2 weeks to be made. In the interim, if a considerable amount of tooth enamel has been removed during the shaping process, the dentist will place a temporary cap on the tooth. If you notice an increased hypersensitivity to hot or cold foods during the interim period, there's nothing to worry about. It's perfectly normal.
When your dental crown is ready to be fitted, the temporary cap is first removed and then the permanent crown is bonded permanently to the teeth. This procedure is irreversible. You may feel a little uncomfortable when your dental crown is just fitted but in time, you will get used to it. Meanwhile, it is important to maintain regular dental hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
