Dental Crowns by Livermore Dentist
A crown is a cover or “cap” your dentist can put over a decayed tooth or dental implants. The crown is designed to restore the tooth’s natural shape, size, and function. It can also make the tooth stronger.
Reasons for a crown:
- A cavity too large for a filling
- A tooth that is cracked, worn or weakened
- After a root canal treatment, a crown will protect the restored tooth
- Discolored or badly shaped tooth
What is your crown made from?
Crowns can be made from many different materials, including metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or composite resin. It is common for patients to choose material that is colored to blend in with their natural teeth. Dentists usually want crowns to look natural and fit comfortably in the mouth and will consider many factors when advising you on what should get:
- The location and function of the tooth
- Gum tissue position
- Patient preference
- The tooth is visible when you smile
- Color of tooth
Steps of placing a crown
It typically takes around two dental visits to complete the treatment because there are several steps involved when placing a crown over a natural tooth, including:
- Tooth preparation. Dentists will remove the outer portion and any decay of the tooth so that the crown is able to fit on top. Any decay is also removed. Sometimes, additional tooth structure is needed for the crown to be supported, so your dentist may need to build up the inside of the tooth.
- An impression is made. This provides the dental laboratory with a precise model for the crown. These impressions are usually made from a mold or by a digital scan.
- Temporary crown. For about two weeks, your dentist will make you a crown to wear while you wait for the permanent crown. While you have a temporary crown, the tooth can be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. You should also avoid eating any sticky food or chewing gum. Sometimes, dentists have specialized equipment that allows patients to get their crown on the same day.
- Placement of crown. Your last visit is when your dentist finally places the crown it in your mouth and makes any adjustments. Once it is perfectly placed, your dentist will cement the crown into place.
Taking care of your crown
Crowns are just as susceptible to breaking as natural teeth. And, don’t forget that there is still a tooth under the crown, and it can get cavities. Prevent cavities and damage by:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss between your teeth at least once a day.
- Look for oral care that meets ADA standards for safety and effectiveness.
- For tooth-colored crowns, it is especially important to avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or hard objects.
- Get regular examinations and teeth cleanings.
Dental Crowns with our Livermore Dentists
At Foothill Dental Care in Livermore, we view any cosmetic dentistry as an investment. Patients not only invest in their self-confidence but in their overall health. Call Foothill Dental Care at (925) 961-5484 to schedule an appointment today. It’s time to fix your smile! If you’re missing a tooth or a few teeth, you should discuss the different replacement options you have with our Livermore dentists. Dental crowns are a very popular tooth replacement option and have many benefits. There are many factors — including how much they cost — that you should think about before deciding.
After the procedure is over and the anesthesia has worn off, the patient may feel some sensitivity with the temporary crown or some soreness in the gums around the tooth. The pain is very minimal though and shouldn’t last long.
In most cases, dental crown will last up to 15 years. However, some crowns have stayed for almost 30 years. Since crowns need to last for at least five years, insurance companies with dental covers will willingly pay for crown replacement after the five years. Many patients will be pleased to find out that these crowns can last a lifetime if cared for well.
Patients are not required to have a root canal if they need a crown, though teeth that have undergone root canal treatment have to be crowned.