A dental crown denotes a tooth-shaped cap placed above a tooth to restore the size and shape, strength, and enhance its appearance. When cemented into place, crowns encase a tooth’s entire visible portion that lies above and at the gum line.

Several kinds of materials make these caps, including ceramics, metal alloys, and porcelain. Once it’s made, a dentist will often color it to blend it with your teeth naturally. While this treatment offers some benefits, beware that it’s associated with drawbacks as well.

It’s equally important to know that crowns aren’t for everyone. Rather, our dentists at Meadows Dental Group will need to conduct a thorough examination to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate. Here’s how to tell whether you’re a suitable candidate.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Crowns?

Although crowns offer a solution for teeth restoration or perfecting smiles, dental treatment isn’t for everyone. Here’s a list of signs that you’re suitable for this procedure.

• You have chipped, broken, or cracked teeth

You’re a suitable candidate if you have chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. Crowns are dental caps that can cover up any underlying tooth damage. Our dentist will craft the caps to resemble your natural teeth, so there’s no need to worry about them matching in your mouth.

Your teeth won’t merely appear more aesthetic, they’ll be stronger as well. Moreover, they’ll have additional protection against bacteria penetrating your tooth through the chips, cracks, or breaks.

• You have Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is common due to the neglect of dental visits or dental hygiene. During your dental visit for the treatment of tooth decay, we will have to eliminate some bits of your tooth to prevent the entire tooth loss. This in turn could leave you with missing areas. In this case, we will put a dental crown to prevent future decay while restoring your tooth’s strength.

The Process Involved

In most instances, be ready for several dental visits if you require a custom-made crown. This procedure can’t take place in a single appointment unless a dental practitioner can perform it in a single visit using a CEREC® or comparable device. While the procedure might be different depending on the crown, it typically involves:

• Tooth preparation which can entail a root canal simple decay removal or both.
• The dentist will take a mold to ensure the crown fits your tooth’s precise shape.
• A temporary restoration will protect your tooth until the dental crown is ready. You must take special attention to the temporary cap and avoid sticky or hard foods to avoid cracking.
• The crown will be ready in about a week.

One-day Crown

You can obtain a crown in one appointment. Some dental practices offer same-day installation using one of the numerous techniques involving computer-aided design. In this case, our dentist will design and mill the new cap from a ceramic block in the dental office.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Teeth Strengthening

The restorative procedure covers a tooth completely. This restores a weak tooth’s strength, allowing it to continue performing its role without worrying about further damage.

Teeth Restoration

A crown can restore your tooth to its original shape and size. This procedure is essential when your teeth aren’t coming together as they should, causing various bite issues. Dental caps can give you a fully functioning mouth, allowing you to speak and eat without problems.

They remain in place

We typically place caps permanently above a tooth. This implies that they’ll remain precisely where they’re supposed to. Consequently, they’re comfortable to wear than dentures, which rest loosely above the gums.

Risks

Over time, you might experience these issues with your crowns.

• Detachment

In some instances, a dental cap might fall off. When this occurs, it’s typically because of a lack of cement or an improper fit. If you experience this, contact your dentist immediately. The dentist might re-cement it in place or you might need a new one.

• Allergic Reaction

The metals that make these caps are frequently a blend of numerous metals. Some patients might experience an allergic reaction to the porcelain or metal used in the crown. However, this is rare.

• Recession or Gum Disease

Gingivitis might affect some patients whereby gum inflammation occurs, resulting in bleeding gums because of poor oral hygiene. At times, gingivitis could result in gingival recession- a condition typified by gum retraction from the tooth’s crown. If this occurs visit your dentist for further advice.

A dental crown is an efficient treatment for restoring damaged teeth and offers some unique benefits than the alternatives. Nevertheless, some drawbacks exist, which a dentist must consider to ensure you undergo a suitable treatment.

For more information on dental crowns or to schedule a consultation, please call Meadows Dental Group’s clinic at 604-465-6844. All your questions will be answered clearly.