Getting your teeth fixed can save them and make your bite better if they have a lot of damage or decay. Dental crowns in Lexington, KY, can help restore your smile after suffering fractures, cavities, or other damage. While it’s natural to be worried or anxious about potential dental procedures, there’s nothing to fear from a dental crown. The more you know about the crown procedure, the more confident you will be in getting the treatment you need.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Crowns
Getting a dental crown is a two-step process for most patients. Each appointment works a little differently. But together, your dentist will help restore your smile and improve your bite.
First Appointment
During your first visit, your dentist will prepare your tooth to receive the crown. This process involves a few steps. First, your dentist will clean your teeth and remove any decay or damage. Then, they’ll need to make sure there’s room for the crown to fit over the tooth. This requires removing a small portion of the natural tooth with a drill. To minimize any pain or discomfort, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic.
Your dentist will then take impressions after preparing the tooth. These impressions are used to fabricate your permanent crown. However, the fabrication process can take a few weeks. So, your dentist will create a temporary crown to help protect your tooth from further damage or decay while waiting.
The Art of Crown Fabrication
While you wait for your permanent crown, skilled dental technicians craft your restoration with precision. Using your tooth impressions, they shape the crown to match your natural tooth’s contours and bite pattern. Color matching ensures the crown blends with surrounding teeth.
Advanced materials like zirconia offer both strength and lifelike translucency. This careful craftsmanship results in a restoration that feels and functions like your natural tooth. Digital scanning technology now allows some practices to create crowns in a single visit.
Second Appointment
After a few weeks, your permanent crown will be ready for placement. The second appointment tends to take less time than the first. First, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and re-clean your tooth. This helps ensure that there’s no plaque or tartar that can cause decay under the crown. Finally, your dentist will place your permanent crown and make any adjustments to ensure it fits comfortably in your mouth. Most patients don’t need anesthesia for this appointment.
Caring for Your New Crown
While crowns don’t decay, the tooth beneath and surrounding gums still need protection. Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying extra attention to the gumline around the crown. Floss daily using proper technique to remove plaque from all sides.
Avoid chewing ice or hard candies that could crack the porcelain. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a protective night guard. Regular dental checkups ensure your crown remains in excellent condition, so don’t skip them.
Implant-supported Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are also the most common type of restoration for single dental implants. The process of getting a dental crown for an implant is pretty much the same. The main difference is that during your first appointment, your dentist will have to add the abutment to your implant. This abutment acts as the structure of your natural tooth and is what your dentist takes an impression of for fabricating the crown.
Choosing the Right Crown Material for Your Smile
Dental crowns come in different materials, each with unique benefits. Porcelain crowns blend seamlessly with natural teeth, making them ideal for front teeth. Gold and metal alloys offer superior strength for back teeth that endure heavy chewing. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns provide both durability and a natural appearance.
Your dentist will help select the best material based on the tooth’s location, your bite force, and your aesthetic preferences. Modern materials can last 10-15 years with proper care.
Signs You Might Need a Crown Replacement
Even well-made crowns eventually wear out or develop issues. Increased sensitivity to hot or cold could indicate a failing seal. A loose crown needs immediate attention to prevent decay underneath.
You should get it checked out if your porcelain crown has any chips or cracks. If you notice dark lines at the gumline on older porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, it may be time for an update. Your dentist can assess your crown’s condition during routine exams and recommend replacement before problems escalate.
Crowns vs. Other Restorative Options
When damage is too extensive for a filling but the tooth root remains healthy, crowns often provide the ideal solution. Unlike veneers that only cover the front surface, crowns encase the entire tooth for maximum protection. For severely damaged teeth, crowns offer better longevity than large fillings. Crowns keep your natural tooth more intact compared to pulling teeth or getting implants.
Your dentist can explain why they might suggest a crown over alternatives in your specific case. At Complete Dentistry for All Ages, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality restorative dentistry in Lexington, KY. If you have damage or decay that you need fixed, give us a call at 859-251-3809 or schedule an appointment online.