One of the most effective ways to restore your damaged tooth and protect it from further damage is to fit it with a dental crowns. Crowns are used to cover your teeth and can be made from different materials, depending on your needs and the dentist’s recommendations. Crowns are typically made from gold or porcelain, although other materials may be appropriate for certain situations.
A crown is a custom-fit cap that goes over your tooth, providing coverage and support. People often need a crown because they have lost all their tooth structure due to decay or an injury. To repair or replace severely damaged teeth, restorations such as crowns may be necessary. Although many different types of materials are used in crowns, typically, gold alloys and porcelain fused to metal are used.
The purpose of a dental crown is to protect your tooth. Crowns help improve your smile, but they also serve another valuable purpose: protecting your teeth. If you are missing more than half of your natural tooth structure, you may be at risk for severe damage without having a crown placed on that tooth first.
In addition to shielding your teeth from damage, crowns also support your tooth when chewing. If you have a severely damaged tooth that you can’t afford to lose, placing a crown on it will keep it strong and functional. It will look as natural as your other teeth, and it will still protect you from pain and discomfort.
The procedure to replace a tooth with a crown starts with an impression of your mouth to make sure you get exactly what you want in shape and color. Then, using that as a mold, the lab will add porcelain until it’s sturdy enough to hold up against chewing forces. In most cases, once that’s done, you wait about two weeks while they make certain adjustments if necessary. Finally, after everything is perfect, you come back into the office where they put on your new crown and cement it into place!
Crowns are usually completed in two visits. However, depending on your doctor’s procedure and dental office’s working schedule, it may take one. The materials used and your dentist’s specific expertise will also affect how long you need to remain in the office. In general, expect that visiting your dentist will take one or two days when you undergo a tooth restoration procedure involving a crown.
In rare instances, patients may experience complications. Risks include infection, nerve damage, or allergic reaction to materials used in treatment. If you notice swelling or prolonged pain after your procedure, please contact the dentist immediately. It is important to note that these risks are minimal compared to those of more invasive procedures like dental implants or tooth extractions. While rare, these risks should be discussed with your dentist before beginning treatment.
Crowns can help maintain the structure of your teeth. If you have been having issues with a chipped or cracked tooth, call your dentist today. Proper tooth care can keep your smile healthy for years to come.
Request an appointment at Olive Family Dentistry or call (818) 846-2266 for an appointment in our Burbank office.
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