Overview of Dental Crowns

If you're tired of looking at your damaged or missing tooth, there are plenty of ways to restore its appearance and functionality. With the help of dental crowns in Denver, you can cover the entire visible portion of the teeth with a new artificial tooth.  

We'll walk you through the various facts about dental crowns, their uses, and facts, so that you can make an informed choice.  

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

What Is a Dental Crown?  

A permanent restoration that is made to order is a dental crown. They appear to be natural teeth covered by a hollow, tooth-shaped "cap." The crowns encase the entire visible portion of the tooth at and above the gum line once anchored.

Dental crowns are meant to replace missing teeth lost due to illness, decay, or an accident; crowns are also used in implant cases. Where there is no natural tooth left or root structure to support and hold the crown, a dental implant is an artificial device placed into the jawbone.  

How Do Dentists Prepare Your Tooth for Dental Crowns?  

The preparation of the tooth by removing decay and old fillings is the first step in the crown fitting procedure. Removing infected tooth or root tissue through a root canal procedure might be necessary. It takes two to three dental visits to install a crown.

For the crown to fit snugly over the damaged tooth, we will reshape and file down the enamel during the initial appointment. Next, the dentist will take an impression of that tooth to send to a dental lab, where a permanent restoration will be made. You will leave the office with a temporary crown to cover your tooth while you wait for the permanent one. You will leave with a gorgeous, new smile after we cement your final crown once it arrives.  

What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?  

Dental crowns are made of porcelain, metal, composite resin, or a combination of porcelain and metal. They are created to feel and look precisely like a patient's natural teeth using impressions of their teeth. The dentist will take out the temporary crown and fit the permanent one before cementing it in place once the lab has finished creating it.

Crowns are not permanent. A dental crown typically lasts between five and 15 years. They must be replaced if they are damaged or if decay re-infects the tooth. Over time, normal wear and tear can hurt a crown's condition.  

What Is the Need for a Dental Crown?  

While a crown's primary function is to improve a tooth's appearance while restoring its strength, functionality, shape, and size, it has other uses. One might require a dental crown in the following circumstances:  

• If there isn't much natural tooth structure left to protect and support a tooth with a large filling.
• To alter a tooth's appearance by closing gaps between them, reshaping them, or rotating them. ‍
• Dental bridges are held in place by crowns.
• A dental implant is covered with a crown.
• Keep a tooth together and stop it from breaking after it has become weak or cracked (for example, due to decay).
• To repair an already-broken tooth.
• Lengthening crooked, short teeth (for example, from grinding).
• Any tooth that has received root canal therapy is advised to get a crown to regain strength.
• To fix a tooth filling that is old, damaged, or failing.

Typical Dental Problems that Crowns Can Help with  

• Root Canal

Dentists perform root canal procedures to remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue and nerve from a tooth's root canal. After that, the root canal is cleaned and prepared for gutta-percha filling. The tooth is then given a dental crown to restore its shape and function.  

• Broken or Chipped Teeth

Your back tooth won't be able to withstand biting pressure if it is severely broken. The tooth's original structure could sustain more harm from the crack if the dentist doesn't catch it in time. A dental crown strengthens the tooth, shields it from further damage, and restores its function because it covers the entire cracked tooth.  

• Teeth With Fillings

Fillings that are too deep or too wide can weaken teeth. It's only a matter of time before biting forces from the opposing teeth cause cracks at the base of the tooth because a large filling compromises the integrity of a tooth. A crown placed over the compromised tooth will not only stop further breakage but also restore its aesthetics.  

• Enamel Decay  

Did you know that frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages and vigorous brushing can seriously damage your tooth enamel? If you notice dental sensitivity and discoloration, you might be dealing with enamel erosion. In these situations, your dentist will advise getting dental crowns to cover teeth that are severely misshapen or discolored.  

• Problems With Comfort  

Dental crowns are frequently chosen to complete a restorative procedure and repair structural or enamel damage. The tooth becomes sensitive to pressure, heat, and cold due to these problems. After the underlying issue has been resolved, the remaining portion of the tooth needs to be protected, whether through a filling, root canal, or another procedure. A dental crown can also lessen sensitivity and protect your tooth from further damage.  

• Irregular Facial Structure

If you have plenty of missing teeth, there's a chance that your face will sag, and your facial structure will shift into a different position. Fortunately, dental crowns can help preserve your facial structure by filling out the gaps in your teeth. Dental crowns can prevent your face from sagging and help keep your facial structure.  

How to Take Care of a Dental Crown  

The average lifespan of a crown is up to 15 years. To ensure its longevity, you should take the same precautions as your natural teeth. Here are some pointers for maintaining the condition of your crown:  

• Routinely flossing and brushing.  
• Skip the hard and sticky foods.  
• If you're suffering from bruxism, you can wear a night guard.
• Make an appointment for regular dental exams.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year.

Are You Interested in Getting Dental Crowns in Denver?

At Makowski Dental, our team can provide you with reliable and comfortable dental crowns to help restore your oral health. Please schedule an appointment with us today to achieve that beautiful smile!