Dental crowns can improve your smile by restoring a missing or damaged tooth to its normal size, shape, and function. It can also protect the tooth and enhance its appearance.
A dental crown is a great long-term treatment to mend damaged teeth, which can happen if a filling or tooth becomes cracked or weakened. Crowns are more popular because they look completely natural. Your dentist in Roswell may recommend a dental crown to:
Did you know that dental crowns are actually used to top off implants? Once your dentist fuses your implant to the jawbone, they will fit the crown over it.
Are you considering having dental crowns? Please schedule your appointment with us to get started.
When placed and maintained properly, dental crowns can last for up to 15 years!
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Dental crowns are used to treat structural damage, mend enamel, and complete a restorative treatment. These complications can increase tooth sensitivity to pressure or temperature. After an underlying condition has been resolved, such as implant restoration, filling, or a root canal, the rest of the tooth is covered by a crown to protect it from further damage.
Crowns are often made up of highly durable materials that are resilient to trauma, biting, grinding, and chewing food. On average, crowns can last for over 30 years with proper oral hygiene and frequent check-ups.
Besides restoring the appearance of teeth, dental crowns also provide cosmetic benefits as they can fit over your natural teeth.
Our team at TJ O'Shea DMD will create custom dental crowns to match the size, color, and shape of your existing tooth.
Your dentist will prepare the tooth, identify the damage, and open the cavity. This could involve taking x-rays of the tooth and the bone surrounding it.
Your dentist will trim the tooth and eliminate part of its outer layer. An impression will be created of your trimmed tooth. The dentist may fit a temporary crown to hold your tooth until a permanent crown is ready.
Once your permanent crown is made, your dentist will install it using dental cement, replacing the temporary crown.
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to the dentist.
The first visit involves examining and preparing the tooth that needs the crown. The dentist will file down the tooth to make room for the crown, take an impression of the tooth, and place a temporary crown to protect the tooth until the permanent one is ready.
The second visit, usually two to three weeks later, involves removing the temporary crown and cementing the permanent crown onto the tooth.
So, overall, you can expect the process to take a few weeks from start to finish. However, the actual time spent in the dentist's chair is usually only a few hours.
Dental crowns are designed to be long-lasting, but they are not considered 'permanent' in the sense that they last a lifetime. The lifespan of a dental crown can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the material of the crown, the health of the tooth underneath, your oral hygiene habits, and your diet.
On average, dental crowns last between 5 to 15 years. However, with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, they can last even longer.
Dental crowns and implants are both effective solutions for damaged or missing teeth, but they serve different purposes and procedures.
A dental crown is essentially a cap that is placed over a damaged tooth. It is used when a tooth is broken, worn down, or severely decayed. The crown restores the tooth's shape, size, and strength, and improves its appearance.
On the other hand, a dental implant replaces the entire tooth, from root to crown. It is used when a tooth is missing entirely. The implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, and a crown is then attached to this post.
So, while a crown is used to repair a damaged tooth, an implant is used to replace a missing one.
Caring for your dental crowns is crucial to ensuring their longevity and maintaining your overall oral health. The good news is that the care process is not significantly different from your regular dental hygiene routine.
Firstly, regular brushing is essential. Brush at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. This helps to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.
Flossing is also important. While your crown cannot decay, the tooth underneath it can. Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from around the crown, especially at the gum line where the crown meets the tooth.
Secondly, avoid hard and sticky foods. While dental crowns are durable, they aren't as strong as your natural teeth. Hard foods like ice or hard candy can potentially crack your crown. Sticky foods, on the other hand, can loosen the crown.
Lastly, regular dental check-ups are key. Your dentist can spot potential problems early and ensure your crown is still in good condition.
Insurance covers dental crowns, but only under medical grounds. A typical dental insurance coverage for a crown is about 50% of the total cost of the procedure.
Ready to try a dental crown for your ailing tooth? We are ready to help you at TJ O'Shea, DMD. Contact us online or call (770) 772-9999 to schedule an appointment with Dr. TJ O'Shea.
Dental crowns are made up of different materials, all of which are durable. Most crowns can last upwards of 20 years. Careful brushing, flossing daily, and avoiding hard foods are some practices for good dental crown care.
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