What are crowns?
A crown is a special cap for your tooth that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its natural size and shape. Crowns strengthen and protect your tooth’s structure after decay or any other type of tooth damage.
Crowns are often made of porcelain, or tooth-colored material that perfectly matches the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth to perfect your beautiful smile. They are highly durable, often lasting many years.
What are the benefits of crowns?
Crowns offer numerous benefits if you have a damaged tooth. The restore teeth that are:
- Decaying
- Broken
- Fractured
- Discolored
- Chipped
- Misshapen
- Weak
Crowns can cover fractured fillings, large fillings, and root canals to strengthen your teeth and protect them from future damage.
What happens during crown placement?
Crown placement typically involves two separate steps. During the first appointment, your dentist numbs the treatment area and prepares your tooth for crown placement by cleaning and filling it when necessary, removing some of the enamel, or reshaping the tooth so your new crown can fit perfectly over the top.
They take highly accurate molds, or impressions, of your tooth so a dental lab can fabricate a custom crown. Your dentist gives you a temporary crown to wear for about two weeks until the permanent one is ready.
During the second appointment, your dentist removes the temporary crown, cleans your tooth, and uses a special cement to secure your new crown in place. They make sure it fits properly.
How should I care for my new crown?
Crowns can last many years when cared for properly. Brush your teeth at least twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste and floss every day. See your dentist regularly for routine dental cleanings and exams. To maximize the lifespan of your crown, avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, and other hard objects. Over time due to normal wear and tear, your crown may eventually need replacing.
Don’t let decaying teeth or other tooth imperfections ruin your beautiful smile when simple dental restoration procedures are within reach at CaliDental. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online to find out if a crown is right for you.
