So, your dentist told you that you need a dental crown. You may have some questions. Why am I getting a crown instead of a filling? How is it applied to my tooth? Do dental crowns hurt? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about dental crowns and help ease any anxiety about the process.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that can be made of a variety of different materials, such as resin, porcelain, and metal. There are many different types of crowns, including:
- Metal crowns: These are the most durable variety of dental crown and can be made from gold, palladium, chromium, or nickel. They require the least amount of enamel removal. Despite their benefits, many people don’t like metal crowns because of the metallic color, so they’re best for back molars that are usually out of sight.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: These crowns are made of metal with a coating of porcelain to match the patient’s teeth. They are not quite as strong as all-metal crowns, though, and the porcelain may chip off over time.
- Pressed ceramic crowns: These are like porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns but with ceramic instead of metal.
- All-ceramic or porcelain crowns: These crowns are a good solution for patients with allergies to metal.
- Same-day dental crowns: Your dentist may use computer technology to create custom crowns for you in a short amount of time, meaning you only have to make one visit to their office. These crowns are made of ceramic.
- All-resin crowns: These are less expensive than other types of crowns, but are more likely to break. All-resin crowns are generally used as a temporary solution, since they only last an average of three to five years.
Your dentist can help you determine which type of crown is best for you by taking into account your needs.
Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?
You may need a dental crown if your tooth is damaged or weak. Crowns are more versatile than dental fillings and can repair teeth with more damage, extending the life of your natural tooth.
Your dentist might decide to give you a crown if your tooth is cracked, broken, or worn down, to hold a dental bridge in place, to cover a tooth with severe stains or discoloration, or to protect a tooth after a root canal.
What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?
Unless you’re getting a same-day dental crown, you will need more than one appointment. During your first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth to create a strong foundation for the crown. They will shave down some of your natural enamel to make space for the crown. If needed, they will build up certain parts of the tooth with a filling material.
Next, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions can be either made with putty or taken with a digital scanner. These impressions or scans will be sent to a dental lab, which will create a custom-made crown for you. This process can take a few weeks, so while you wait, the dentist will place a temporary crown made of resin or acrylic.
Once the lab is finished creating your new crown, you will make a second visit to your dentist, where they will place the crown after removing the temporary one and checking the fit and shape. They’ll bond the crown to your tooth with strong dental cement.
The process shouldn’t be too painful, since your dentist will numb the area with numbing jelly and an injected anesthetic. After the procedure, you may feel soreness and sensitivity once the numbness has worn off. You can take over-the-counter pain medications to relieve any discomfort, and these symptoms should only last a few days.
How Do I Care for My Dental Crown?
You care for a dental crown in much the same way as you do for natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, along with using an antibacterial mouthwash, can help your crown remain in good condition. Experts recommend avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods since these can cause damage to dental crowns.
Dental Crowns at Jenson Dental
If you need a crown or other dental procedure, turn to the experts at Jenson Dental. Our services include general dentistry, cosmetic fixes including teeth whitening and veneers, implants, and dentures. Stop by our office in Brigham City, Utah, or contact us today to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to give you the best dental care possible!
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