A dental crown is a cap for a damaged or compromised tooth. Crowns provide stability to fragile or cracked teeth and offer cosmetic enhancements to teeth that are discolored. A proper crown will fully cover the entirety of your natural tooth above the gum line and will not be noticeable to anyone who isn’t looking for it.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns can be any of several different materials, and the material of choice will depend on factors like where the damaged tooth is located, how visible the tooth is when smiling, how much of the natural tooth is still intact, and the specific function and purpose of the affected tooth. The material options for crowns include ceramic, porcelain, composite resin, or in some cases a combination of materials may be used.
Why Might I Need a Crown?
You might consider this restorative dental treatment to act as a shield against damaged or decayed teeth. The protective barrier that a crown can provide will fortify the tooth and maintain its healthy structure. Root canals can leave a tooth susceptible to damage once the pulp is removed, and the crown will offer support and strength.
You might consider a dental crown as a cosmetic fix if you have a stained or chipped tooth, particularly if that tooth is visible when you smile. The crown can be matched to the natural color of your teeth, effectively eliminating the appearance of the stain.
What's the Difference Between a Dental Crown and a Bridge?
A dental crown is typically used for protecting or improving the look of one tooth, whereas a dental bridge provides fixed stability to gaps of one or more missing teeth.
These procedures are often used together. When getting a dental bridge, a crown is required on the two teeth on either side of the gap for stability. Patients receive bridges for the ability to restore oral functions like chewing, and for the cosmetic improvements bridges offer.
Avoid These Problems by Choosing High-Quality Dental Restoration
Three of the most common issues we see that are the result of poor dental work are open contacts, open margins, and overhanging restorations.Open contact refers to the space between two teeth from poor contouring that leads to food impaction.
Open margins are large spaces that can host bacteria between the crown and the underlying tooth that are the result of poor crown placement. Overhangs result from restorations that are too large, causing a shelf for plaque and bacteria to form on.
What Will My Dental Crown Appointment Be Like?
A dental crown procedure starts with a thorough examination of your dental history and your current dental health. The problem tooth/teeth will be evaluated to determine the best course of action that gives you the results you want.
Next, impressions of your teeth will be taken to replicate the unique molds of your mouth. This will provide the blueprints needed to construct a crown that perfectly matches you.
Once the impressions are made, the targeted tooth will be ground down to act as a holder for the dental crown. The damaged tooth is ground down slightly, leaving enough to hold the crown in place and preserve the structural integrity of the tooth. This is done to ensure the crown fits properly and does not become an overhanging restoration.
After the natural tooth is ground down, the custom crown will be gently placed over it like a cap. This step is taken very carefully to prevent any open margins from forming. The dental crown will be bonded in place once the positioning is correct and the crown blends seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.
Aftercare: How Long Is Recovery?
The majority of patients find they’re able to return to their busy lives right away following their dental crown treatment. Soreness, tender gums, and heightened sensitivity to extreme temperatures are completely normal and will diminish within a few weeks. Many patients find success in managing what little discomfort they feel with over-the-counter pain-relieving medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
What Should I Avoid While I'm Recovering?
Since the tooth beneath your crown might be a bit more sensitive, it’s best to avoid extremely hot or cold foods temporarily. Wait longer for your food to cool off than you would normally, and avoid chewing on ice cubes or eating ice cream just for a little while. With your new crown, you should also avoid chewing on ice and eating foods such as hard nuts and popcorn kernels or sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum.
We highly recommend a temporary diet of soft foods such as soups, yogurts, cooked vegetables, and soft fruits. Avoid chewing on non-food items like pens, and avoid using your teeth to rip open packages, especially if you had a crown put over one of your front teeth. Try to avoid clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, and consider a nightguard if you are prone to bruxism (sleep-related teeth grinding).
Long-Term Dental Crown Care Tips
If maintained well and properly taken care of, a crown should last you multiple years. When you begin to notice visible wear and tear, that means it’s time to get a replacement. You can, however, significantly elongate the longevity of your crown with the right habits. You should still be brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash.
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are always important for everyone, but this goes double for individuals with dental crowns. We can help you set up a routine schedule with us that works for you and benefits you the most.
When cared for properly, a dental crown is a great, long-term solution for restorative work needed on a single tooth. Teeth that are cracked, discolored, worn down, or otherwise damaged are good candidates for a dental crown.
Are You Considering Dental Crown Work In The Martinsburg Area?
If you’re considering dental crowns you owe it to yourself to speak with an experienced dentist as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
