subject: Cover Damaged Teeth With Dental Crowns For Added Protection [print this page] Sometimes your dentist has to remove a large section of a tooth because of tooth decay, while other times your teeth may have become discolored. In these cases, the use of a dental crown helps to improve the appearance of the tooth and its functionality. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, to cover a tooth implant or to stabilize a cracked tooth, or even to keep an existing filling in place. No matter the reason, a dental crown is now available to help improve the appearance of your smile this year.
What Types of Crowns are Available?
The three predominant choices of restorative materials for the full coverage crowns include:
*Porcelain fused to metal
*All ceramic (all-porcelain)
*Gold
All-ceramic crowns are the predominant material choice for dental crowns. They provide a metal-free esthetic option with a host of benefits. By eliminating the need for the supportive metal core, an esthetic all-ceramic crown can be created with a reduced thickness of material, which makes them more favorable treatment choices in areas with limited space. Additionally, the elimination of the metal core allows for light transmission through the porcelain for better optical, life-like properties and a higher level of esthetics.
Preparing and Applying the Crown
During your first visit, your dentist may numb the tooth that is to be crowned in order to remove the decay that is in or around the tooth. The tooth is then re-sculpted to provide an easy fit for the dental crown and is a painless procedure performed in the dental chair. An impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where permanent, custom dental crowns are created. While waiting for the fabrication of your dental crown, a temporary crown will be fitted onto the teeth for protection until the permanent crown is completed. At your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary dental crown and fit the permanent dental crown onto your tooth. Your Salt Lake City cosmetic dentist will make sure the crown has the proper look and fit before cementing it into place.
After Your Procedure
After your permanent crown is placed, your Salt Lake City cosmetic dentist will provide you with information on how to properly care for your new restoration. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene habits by brushing twice daily and flossing with dental floss or interdental cleaners, once a day. These practices will help to remove plaque from the area where the crown meets the gum, and to help prevent dental decay and gum disease.
Additionally, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects, as this can damage your crown. It is also important to avoid biting your fingernails and grinding your teeth, which could significantly shorten the life span of your dental crown. If you habitually clench or grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend wearing a nighttime mouth guard to help protect your crowns while sleeping.
Contact your dentist in Salt Lake City if you have a cracked, decayed, or damaged tooth. The use of a dental crown can help to protect your tooth from further damage in the long run.
