l crol crownsDo you have a damaged molar? Is a fracture in your tooth making daily life uncomfortable? We often recommend dental crowns to cover and protect damaged or injured teeth. Tooth crowns improve the aesthetics of the smile and prevent further tooth wear or damage. Receiving a crown can also make it easier to eat and speak comfortably. If you are interested in dental crowns but have questions about treatment or how dental crowns work after treatment, we’re here to help. Here, we will answer commonly asked questions that patients have about dental crowns in our Lexington, KY, dental office.
Q&A: Dental Crowns in Lexington, KY
Many patients may have these questions about dental crown treatment:
Can I normally eat with a crown?
Dental crowns offer strength to teeth to allow patients to bite and chew properly. Once you get accustomed to your dental crowns, you can eat with them like natural teeth.
Do I need a dental crown, inlay, or onlay?
A dental crown will fully cover your tooth. Inlays cover the chewing surface between the sides of the tooth or cusps. Onlays cover the tooth cusps or the very top of the tooth. We will examine your teeth to help you determine which treatment can address your tooth damage.
Can food get stuck under a dental crown?
Normally, food should not get stuck under your dental crown. Please let us know if you have a loose or broken crown. If you damage your dental crown, food can get stuck beneath your crown, leading to bacterial buildup and infection.
Do dental crowns look natural?
Yes, crowns look natural because dentists use porcelain materials color-matched to natural teeth. Dentists also ensure that crowns match the natural contours of teeth, so they fit properly. We customize dental crowns to each patient to ensure they feel comfortable and look like natural teeth.
How long is the dental crown treatment?
The entire dental crown process takes two to three weeks. Placing a dental crown can take 30 minutes per tooth, as we remove a temporary crown and place the permanent crown.
What should you remember to do and avoid after crown treatment?
After you receive your permanent crowns, avoid eating hard or chewy foods. You should not eat solid foods for 30 minutes following your procedure. If you chew while your mouth is still numb, you can create discomfort and pain near your treated teeth.
Wait until the anesthetic wears off before eating food, as you can accidentally bite the soft tissue in your mouth. Clean your dental crowns by brushing and flossing between them, using a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Patient education is an important aspect of dentistry. We want to keep our patients informed about their treatment options. If you have any more questions about crowns, schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Doyle Freano online. You can also call 859-251-3809.