Maintaining optimal dental health is key to promoting excellent general health. Your dental health affects your overall well-being, your confidence, your appearance, your smile, and your quality of life. If you need dental care in Martinsburg, WV, whether preventative treatments like routine cleanings and exams or a prescriptive dental treatment like a dental crown, it’s important that you find a dentist who is skilled and experienced and can personalize a treatment plan that meets your needs. 

What Are the Early Signs That You May Need a Dental Crown in Martinsburg, WV?

You Have Worn Down Teeth

If you have worn down teeth, a crown can restore the appearance and function of one tooth or several. Worn-down teeth can result from bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, consuming acidic foods and drinks on a regular basis, and other factors. 

Once the teeth are worn down, they become weaker and need adequate protection. A dentist can place a crown over a worn tooth to restore its function, protect it from further damage and wear, and enhance tooth aesthetics.

You Have Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth result from tooth grinding, trauma to the tooth, aging, biting down on extremely hard foods, and certain dental traumas and treatments. Cracked teeth can cause pain and discomfort and leave you at risk of tooth decay and other dental conditions. A crown can treat a cracked tooth by protecting it from further damage and decay.

You Have a Weak Tooth

A crown can also protect and restore the function of a weak tooth. Some patients have weak teeth due to inadequate enamel, nutritional deficiencies, health conditions, infections, or genetics. Weak teeth are more prone to cracking and breakage. A dental crown can protect a weak tooth by preventing tooth decay, cavities, breaks, and fractures.

You Have a Severely Stained Tooth

While crowns are designed to protect teeth and restore them after damage, they can also be used for aesthetic concerns. If you have a tooth that is discolored and makes you feel self-conscious or has severe staining, your dentist can place a crown over the tooth to restore an aesthetically pleasing smile. 

What Is a Crown?

A dental crown is a protective covering shaped like a natural tooth that is placed over the tooth. It can restore the function and appearance of the tooth after a break, fracture, decay, or other issue. Once fitted, the crown will look and feel just like a natural tooth and will provide the protection your natural tooth needs so you don’t experience other dental issues.

What Are the Different Types of Crowns?

There are several different types of crowns available, and your dentist will review the available options with you and help you choose the right one. 

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are typically made of nickel, chromium, palladium, or gold, and are known for their longevity and strength. They are more visible than tooth-colored crowns and are typically used on the non-visible back molars. 

Ceramic, Porcelain, and Temporary Crowns

Ceramic crowns are made of porcelain and ceramic and look similar to the natural tooth. These are ideal for patients who don’t want or can’t tolerate metal due to allergic reactions. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, also known as PFM crowns, are made of a mix of porcelain and metal, are long-lasting, and can be used on visible and non-visible teeth for protective and restorative purposes. 

There are also temporary crowns that are used to cover and protect the tooth until the custom crown is ready. These are often made of resin, but are not as durable as crowns made of other materials.

What Happens During the Crown Treatment Process?

The first step in the crown placement process is to schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist. Your dentist will examine your teeth, take X-rays, and confirm that you are a good candidate for a crown. Once he confirms your eligibility, he will begin by preparing your tooth for the treatment process.

Preparing the Tooth

Your dentist will begin the crown placement process by preparing the affected tooth. He may remove some of your enamel or use filling to change the shape of your tooth so that the crown fits properly once placed. You’ll then need dental impressions made via a putty-like substance or digital scanner. Once images of your teeth have been taken, they’ll be sent to a lab where your crown will be custom-made. 

Within a few weeks of your first appointment, you’ll attend a fitting appointment, but in the meantime, your dentist may apply a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it until the permanent one is ready.

Placing Your Crown

Once your permanent crown arrives at the dental office, you’ll go in for your fitting. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the new custom crown on the affected tooth. Once he ensures that it fits properly and is the right shape and size, he’ll use dental cement to bond it to the natural tooth and your treatment will be complete.

What Kind of Recovery Should I Expect After Getting a Crown?

Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity after crown placement when eating or drinking cold or hot foods and drinks. Most patients resume their normal daily activities immediately following their crown placement appointment. You may notice some soreness around the gum line below the tooth where the crown was placed. 

This will subside a few days after treatment and your tooth will feel completely normal. You will need to follow some specific aftercare instructions once your crown is placed on your tooth to prevent damaging it. Dentists typically advise patients to avoid eating sticky foods like candies, popcorn, ice, and very hard foods that could crack or dislodge the crown.

How Long Does a Typical Crown Last?

A crown made of a durable and long-lasting material can last 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance. However, on average, crowns last between five and 15 years. Some signs indicate crown replacement is necessary, including cracks, a loose fit, and crown damage. 

You can extend the longevity of your crown by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, avoiding eating foods that could damage the crown, scheduling regular dental examinations, and taking steps to treat and prevent teeth grinding.

What Are the Signs That a Crown Needs Repair or Replacement?

If your crown suddenly feels sharp and is irritating your gums or your tongue, feels loose, or has a crack or chip, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with a dentist in Martinsburg, WV, who can evaluate the crown and take steps to repair or replace it if necessary. Regular care and a commitment to maintaining optimal oral health are the easiest ways to prevent damage that will require costly repairs.

After you get a crown fitted, your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your crown, what foods to avoid, and how to extend its longevity.

If you need a dentist you can trust to keep your teeth in the best condition, look no further than Cornerstone Dental. Whether you need a more advanced dental treatment or a routine cleaning, we’ll ensure you have an exceptional experience. Contact Cornerstone Dental in Martinsburg, WV, to schedule an appointment.