Dental crowns are one of the most important tools a dentist has at their disposal. They have multiple different uses, from cosmetic to restorative dental care. Our office provides dental crowns in Marshall, TX to care for almost any dental concern you’re experiencing.
The Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can treat various cosmetic and restorative concerns. Traditionally, professional tooth whitening is used to treat discolored teeth. However, not all discoloration responds to traditional methods. For deeper stains, a dental crown can cover the entire discolored tooth. We color-match the crown material to the exact shade of white you desire.
Teeth that are misshapen or disfigured can impact both aesthetics and function. Depending on where the tooth is in the mouth, it may cause problems with your chewing or speaking. A crown matches the shape and size of your other teeth to blend in, and your smile looks completely natural.
Crowns are often the last resort to save a tooth that’s severely damaged or decayed. It keeps pieces of your tooth together and helps to prevent sensitivity. With damage, your dental pulp and nerves can be exposed, which can be very painful. A dental crown protects the inner parts of your tooth from exposure.
One of the most common uses for a crown is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. We clean out infected dental pulp inside your tooth during a root canal procedure. Though we fill the tooth with a biocompatible material, it may not be as stable as before. We want to ensure complete functionality.
Lastly, a dental crown is often the choice to complete a dental implant restoration. A custom dental crown topping a dental implant is often the most natural-looking and feeling tooth replacement option.
Getting Dental Crowns in Marshall, TX
Before we proceed with any restoration, we have a consultation with you. We want to talk to you about the problems you’re having, your budget, and your cosmetic goals. We’ll perform a thorough oral exam as well to assess your condition. We must determine if dental crowns are the best choice for your unique dental problems.
If we decide a dental crown is right for you, we’ll start by preparing the tooth for a dental crown. We remove a decent amount of the tooth structure to make room for the crown. A crown completely covers your tooth on all sides, so we must remove a significant amount of structure. Once your tooth has a crown, it will always require a restoration.
After we complete structure removal, we take impressions of the prepared tooth. The dental lab uses these impressions to custom-make your crown and ensure it fits properly. We may provide a temporary crown for the few weeks the lab takes to finish your permanent restoration.
Once the permanent crown is ready, we bring you back into the office for a fitting. We ensure that the restoration fits you properly. If you’re happy with the results, we permanently bond the crown to your tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Crowns can be made from various materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
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Porcelain Crowns: These crowns are popular because they look very natural. They are made from a ceramic material that mimics the look of natural tooth enamel. Because of their cosmetic appeal, porcelain crowns are ideal for front teeth. However, they can be more prone to chipping than other types.
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Metal Crowns: These are the most durable types of crown and are typically made from gold, platinum, or base metals like nickel or chromium. They are highly resistant to wear and rarely chip or break. However, because of their metallic appearance, they are more noticeable, so they’re often used for back teeth.
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Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns combine the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain. The metal base provides durability, while the porcelain outer layer gives a more natural look. PFM crowns are commonly used for both front and back teeth. However, the metal under the porcelain can show as a dark line near the gums over time.
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Ceramic or Zirconia Crowns: These strong and natural-looking crowns are ideal for patients with metal allergies or for those who want an entirely metal-free restoration. Zirconia crowns are known for their strength and durability while providing a more aesthetic result.
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Resin Crowns: Resin crowns are less expensive than other types but may wear down or break more easily. They are typically used as temporary crowns.
Caring for Dental Crowns
Caring for dental crowns is important to ensure they last long and keep your smile healthy. With the right care, a dental crown can last many years, protecting your tooth and maintaining its function.
First, maintain good oral hygiene. Just like with natural teeth, you should brush your crowns at least twice daily. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the crown’s surface. Make sure to brush gently around the crown and the gumline, where plaque and food particles can build up. Flossing daily is also essential, as it helps remove debris between your teeth and prevents gum disease, which could affect the crown’s fit.
Avoid biting down on hard objects. While crowns are durable, they can still crack or chip if you bite down on something hard like ice, candy, or even your fingernails. Be mindful of chewing, and avoid habits that could damage the crown.
If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a nightguard. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can wear down or damage crowns over time. A nightguard provides a protective barrier between your teeth, reducing the pressure on your crowns while you sleep.
It’s also important to avoid sticky or chewy foods. Foods like caramel or taffy can stick to your crown and potentially loosen it. If your crown becomes loose, visit your dentist as soon as possible to have it re-cemented. A loose crown can lead to discomfort and might even fall off if not addressed quickly.
Regular dental checkups are crucial for caring for your crowns. Your dentist will check the condition of the crown and ensure it still fits properly. They can also clean your crown and the surrounding teeth to prevent plaque buildup and decay.
Schedule an Appointment
Do you think a dental crown can benefit your oral health? Call us or schedule an appointment online.