Dental crowns are a popular and effective restorative procedure that many people undergo to improve the appearance and function of their teeth. A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. If you are if you are scheduled for dental crown procedure at Urgent Dental, there are a few things you should know about the process and how to care for your crown afterwards.
The Dental Crown Procedure
The dental crown procedure typically involves two appointments. During the first appointment, our dentist will prepare the tooth that is receiving the crown. This involves removing any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth, as well as shaping the remaining tooth to accommodate the crown. Depending on the severity of the damage or decay, the tooth may need to be built up with a filling material before the crown can be placed.
Once the tooth is prepared, our dentist will take impressions of the tooth and surrounding teeth. These impressions will be sent to a local Las Vegas dental laboratory where the crown will be custom-made to fit your tooth precisely. In the meantime, we will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready.
At the second appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent crown on your tooth. Dr Atwood will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments before permanently cementing the crown in place. Once the crown is in place, you will be provide with instructions on how to care for it.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Proper care of your dental crown is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain your oral health. Here are some tips for caring for your dental crown:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles that can accumulate around the crown and lead to decay.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods: Biting down on hard foods such as ice or hard candy, or chewing sticky foods such as caramel or taffy, can damage or dislodge your crown.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you grind or clench your teeth at night, wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your crown from damage.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important to ensure the health of your teeth and gums, and to detect any problems with your crown before they become serious.
- Be mindful of changes in your bite: If you notice any changes in the way your teeth fit together or if your crown feels loose or uncomfortable, contact our office immediately.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, including:
- Restoring the function of a damaged or decayed tooth: A dental crown can restore the shape, size, and strength of a tooth so that you can chew and speak properly.
- Improving the appearance of a tooth: Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, which can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth for a natural-looking appearance.
- Protecting a weakened tooth: A crown can protect a tooth that has been weakened by decay or a large filling from further damage or fracture.
- Supporting a dental bridge: Crowns can be used to support a dental bridge, which can replace one or more missing teeth.
- Covering a dental implant: Crowns can be placed over dental implants to replace missing teeth.
Conclusion
A dental crown procedure will restore the function and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth, while also protecting it from further damage. Proper care of your dental crown is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain your oral health. With a dentist at Urgent Dental and proper care, your dental crown can last for many years, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile.
