Dental crowns have been a reliable solution for decades, and so many of our patients benefit from them on a daily basis at Accent Smile Center. You might be wondering how dental crowns actually work to help improve aesthetics and functionality. So we’re going to break it down and let you know if you can benefit from dental crowns with our help.
Do I Need a Dental Crown?
There are a number of reasons Dr. Gatgens, Dr. Densmore, or Dr. Greene might determine you need one or more dental crowns. Many of these factors are related to the structure of the tooth itself needing reinforcement. Here are a few of the most common issues that dental crowns are used to resolve:
- Protection: When teeth are cracked or weakened, crowns can prevent further damage. This can make sense after a root canal when a tooth becomes more fragile.
- Restoration: In more serious cases, when a tooth is chipped, broken, or severely worn down, a crown is used to restore it back to its original state. This can also help with bite alignment.
- Appearance: Since crowns appear like natural teeth, they can also be used for cosmetic purposes. We use porcelain that matches your surrounding teeth, making it an effective way to replace damage more seamlessly.
- Large Fillings: Similar to a root canal, a large filling can weaken the remaining natural structure of a tooth. A crown can help prevent the tooth from cracking and provide supplemental support.
- Worn-Down Teeth: Acid exposure, tooth grinding, or other means of erosion can all warrant a crown.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
At Accent Smile Center, dental crowns are some of the most common restorative procedures we perform. Our doctors know the process like clockwork and specialize in making crowns look like they aren’t even there! Generally, this is how the process of preparing, fabricating, and placing a crown looks:
- Initial Evaluation and Preparation
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- Exam: Our doctors will take a look and examine the tooth causing issues and determine the extent of the problem. We can take x-rays to assess the root and surrounding bone condition.
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- Tooth Prep: Like with a filling, we’ll remove the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth and reshape it.
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- Digital Scan: We’ll take a digital scan of the tooth and surrounding teeth, which serves as a guide for designing your crown properly.
- Temporary Crown Placement/Fabrication:
- Dental crowns take a little while to be fabricated, so we might use an acrylic or composite crown until the permanent one is ready. In a lab, your crown is custom-made with a combination of technology and manual detailing.
- Crown Placement: Once your bespoke crown is made, we will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one on the tooth. We carefully ensure that the shape, color, and fit are all just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finally, let’s cover several common questions we get from our patients about dental crowns. A big part of our team’s job at Accent Smile Center is simply sharing knowledge about what we do and how it helps you. Never hesitate to ask us questions!
Q: How long do dental crowns last?
As with other restorative measures, this depends on how well a patient takes care of their teeth. But with proper care, they can last 10 to 15 years or even longer.
Q: How should I care for my dental crown?
Think of them as being similar to your natural teeth but with a bit of extra consideration. Brush twice a day, floss daily to prevent plaque buildup, and try to avoid biting down on hard foods that could inflict damage.
Q: What’s the difference between a crown and a filing?
They do operate in a similar way, but the difference is the extent of the restoration. Fillings can be effective for smaller areas of damage and decay, while a crown can cover the entire surface of a tooth.
Q: Can I whiten my dental crown?
No, you should be careful about whitening treatments for this reason. We’d suggest getting your teeth whitened prior to receiving your crown, if possible.
Q: Can a crown be replaced?
Yes. If they become worn or damaged, our team can determine if a replacement is needed. If your crown ever breaks or falls out, contact our office as soon as you can. If you still have the broken crown, we can try to re-cement it, or start the process of a replacement.
A Perfect Fix
If you’re in the Dickson or Belle Meade area and need a dental crown, look no further. We have an all-star team of experts at your service. Feel free to reach out to us soon!