Dental crowns are the most common dental prosthetics Dr. Morgan Chambers provides in our Lexington, KY, dental office. Tooth crowns function as a “cap” to cover and strengthen the tooth and help prevent tooth loss. If you have a cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged tooth, Dr. Morgan Chambers can help.
Dental crowns use various materials, but Dr. Chambers frequently recommends porcelain. Crowns made of dental porcelain tend to be more durable than traditional materials. We can also color-match dental porcelain so that it blends flawlessly with the rest of your teeth and smile. Our office can go even further with a teeth whitening procedure after our dentist places a dental crown.
Treatment with Dental Crowns in Lexington, KY
The dental crown procedure begins with a thorough oral evaluation. We will check your teeth for signs of damage and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If Dr. Chambers determines that you need one or two, she will begin to prepare the affected tooth. Tooth preparation ensures the crown will fit over the tooth properly.
After Dr. Chambers prepares the tooth, she will take an impression or mold of your mouth. She will send this impression to a local dental lab so that they can use it in the fabrication process. In a lab, technicians will create a perfectly fitting dental crown using your specific measurements. Dr. Chambers can place a temporary crown while we wait for the permanent restoration from the dental lab.
Once we receive the permanent crown from the dental lab, Dr. Chambers will call you back into our dental practice. She will permanently bond the final custom restoration to your tooth and polish it for a comfortable, lasting result. The dental crown procedure can enhance your smile and help support long-term oral health for years.
Common Uses for Dental Crowns
Patients visit our dental practice for a variety of issues that we can fix using dental crowns. Dr. Chambers may recommend a crown for any of the following dental problems or cosmetic concerns:
- A dental crown can protect a tooth after root canal therapy
- A crown can restore a tooth that has a large cavity
- Using a crown, we can repair a broken or cracked tooth without oral surgery
- Improve the appearance of misshaped or crooked tooth using a crown
- A crown can hide tooth stains by covering a discolored tooth
- Close gaps between teeth for a seamless smile
- It can lengthen teeth that appear short next to other teeth
Types of Dental Crowns
Tooth crowns come in many different materials, including:
- Gold: Traditional crowns use gold or other metal materials. These materials are strong but are easily noticeable, even if they cover the molars.
- Ceramic: Same-day dental crowns use ceramic. Ceramic matches the shade of natural teeth but do not last as long as other materials.
- Zirconia: Made of zirconium oxide, zirconia crowns are highly strong. However, these crowns are so hard that they can damage teeth. Zirconia crowns are also more expensive than other types of crowns.
- Porcelain: Our office uses porcelain crowns. We color-match these crowns to your desired tooth shade. Like ceramic crowns, porcelain matches the shade of natural teeth. However, porcelain lasts longer.
Dental Crown FAQs
If you need a dental crown, you may have questions about it and the crown treatment process. Here, we will address some of the questions we get from patients. We’ll answer questions that often arise about the procedure, risks, and expectations for this treatment.
How Fast Can I Get A Dental Crown?
Dental labs can fabricate modern-day dental crowns in as little as two hours. Some dentists offer same-day crowns for those who can afford the cost. Usually, the timeframe for your new crown will depend on the amount of dental work you need. For example, our dentists can prepare your mouth, fabricate the traditional dental crowns, and place them within two weeks.
What Is The Cost Of A Dental Crown?
Dental crown cost varies depending on your specific condition and goals. The material the dentist uses to create the crown can also be a factor. Your dental insurance coverage may cover the cost of a crown procedure. As a courtesy, we will submit a claim to your insurance company and request reimbursement. Affordable dental crowns are possible with dental insurance.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Proper care and maintenance will ensure your tooth crown performs at its best for many years. The best way to keep your crown in good condition is to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. A good oral hygiene routine will ensure that the gums are healthy and free of food particles, which can interfere with the bond of your dental crown. Brush gently around the gum line to remove plaque on the tooth and crown’s surface.
What Should I Do If A Crown Falls Out?
If your tooth crown falls out, move quickly to avoid further damage to your tooth. Don’t try to put it back on, and don’t use glue or dental cement to reattach your crown. Call our dentist office as soon as possible and keep the crown clean. Do not attempt to use glue to reattach your crown.
You may need to contact us or an emergency dental clinic right away. Sometimes, our dentist can temporarily replace the crown on the same day of your emergency visit.
Can A Dentist Reuse A Dental Crown?
When a dental crown falls out, it can be difficult to determine whether or not it is safe to reuse. In some cases, a dentist can safely reuse a dental crown. For example, our dentist can save and re-cement a new crown that has recently fallen out. However, the dentist can’t reuse a tooth crown if she removes it to restore your tooth. This is because the dentist usually cuts it into pieces during removal.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions With A Dental Crown?
While dental crowns are durable, it’s best to avoid very hard or sticky foods, especially right after the crown is placed, as these can dislodge or damage the crown. Foods like hard candies, ice, and tough nuts can stress the crown. Sticky foods, like caramel or chewing gum, can sometimes pull on the crown. Moderating these foods can help prolong the life of your crown.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Dr. Chambers is a trusted dentist who provides dental crowns in Lexington, KY. She has decades of experience performing dental restorations for Lexington-Fayette communities and beyond. Schedule a dental appointment online or call Complete Dentistry For All Ages at 859-251-3809 today.