What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are synthetic caps made of porcelain, composite resin, or metal. Once placed, a crown rests on top of a tooth, restoring its size, strength, and condition.
Crowns cover the entire portion of the tooth above the gum line. This ensures your tooth stays intact and prevents harmful bacteria from causing further problems. Dental crowns aren’t permanent, but with good oral hygiene and proper care, they can last 10-15 years.
Why would I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns can address a variety of common oral problems. Dr. Hernandez might recommend a dental crown to:
- Restore a severely worn down tooth
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Attach to a dental implant
- Save a tooth damaged by decay
- Protect a weak tooth
- Hold together parts of a cracked tooth
He also uses dental crowns to cover misshapen or discolored teeth.
Does getting a dental crown take more than one appointment?
Getting a dental crown usually takes two separate appointments.
At your initial consultation, Dr. Hernandez conducts an oral exam, asks about your goals for treatment, and reviews your oral health history. Afterward, he takes digital X-rays to get a closer look at your affected tooth and roots.
Next, Dr. Hernandez prepares your tooth to receive the crown. To do this, he administers a local anesthetic, numbing your tooth roots and gums.
Then, he carefully shaves a thin layer of enamel from the top and sides of your affected tooth. Dr. Hernandez takes digital impressions and sends them to a laboratory that manufactures your custom crown.
A week or two later, you return to Heritage Dental. At your second appointment, Dr. Hernandez places your new crown on top of the damaged, decaying, or discolored tooth. He bonds it in place using dental cement and cures it with a special blue light. The placement procedure takes 45-60 minutes. You leave the office with a fully restored tooth.
How do I extend the life of my crown?
If you want to extend the life of your dental crown, make sure to practice good oral hygiene. Dr. Hernandez recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting Heritage Dental every six months for an oral exam and professional cleaning.
If you play contact sports or if you mountain bike or skateboard, always wear a mouthguard. You should also avoid bad habits like nail-biting and chewing on ice cubes, popcorn kernels, or hard candy.
To learn more about the benefits of dental crowns, schedule an appointment at Heritage Dental. Call the office and speak with a friendly team member or book a consultation online today.
