Sometimes the natural crown of the tooth can get eroded or fractured due to wear and tear or an accident. A fractured tooth can make the bite abnormal and can expose the nerve endings of the tooth. To prevent this tooth from suffering further damage or decay, a crown is placed over the top of the decayed tooth, after the decay has been removed. A dental crown restores the size and shape of the tooth as it is applied to the top of the natural crown and adjusted according to the adjoining teeth. If you have a worn off tooth or if you have fractured a tooth, here’s all you need to know about getting a dental crown.

Why Get Dental Crowns?

There are many instances where you might need a dental crown. A worn out or fractured tooth is the most common reason to get a dental crown. Sometimes a tooth decays beyond the point of saving or using a dental filling. A dental crown is then placed over the top of the decayed tooth to protect it from further bacterial infections and to restore the appearance of the whole set. If you have misshapen or discolored teeth, dental crowns can be used to cover up the anomaly and make it look normal again. If your child has a decaying tooth, a dental crown can be applied to her temporary tooth until it falls off, while making place for the permanent tooth.

What Is the Procedure to Get a Dental Crown?

Generally, a dentist appoints you two visits for getting a dental crown. On the first visit, the dentist takes an x-ray of your teeth to predetermine the shape of the wearing, fracture, or decay of the tooth. An impression is then taken of the prepared tooth and is sent to the dental laboratory to make the permanent crown. A temporary crown made of acrylic is then placed until the permanent crown arrives from the dental laboratory. You can get different dental crowns made of different materials according to your needs or what the dentist recommends. Once the permanent crown arrives after 2-3 weeks from the lab; the dentist makes a second appointment. The temporary crown is removed from your tooth and the permanent crown is placed with dental bonding materials. Finally, the permanent crown is set using dental cement.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last and How to Take Care of One?

The durability of a dental crown solely depends on the strain that you put on your teeth. A dental crown reacts to wear just like your natural tooth. Conventionally, a dental crown lasts anywhere between 5-15 years. You don’t need specialized care for your crown. Maintain the most important parts of your oral hygiene, brush twice daily, floss every day around your teeth including the areas around the crowned tooth and swish an anti-bacterial mouthwash in your mouth. If you clench or grind your teeth, you would benefit from wearing a night guard to help protect your new crown and the rest of your teeth

If you have any more queries about dental crowns or if you want to get one, visit our dentists at Edmonton Smiles.

Posted in Procedures and Treatments