What Exactly Are Dental Crowns?

We spend our entire lives being taught the importance of taking care of our teeth. From a young age, our parents instill in us that we need to brush our teeth and floss every day and that we need to visit the dentist every six months. Despite our best efforts, our teeth can still become damaged — through internal decay, external trauma, or even natural weakness. Luckily, there are numerous solutions to fix your teeth and smile. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX dentist discusses everything you need to know about dental crowns.

What Is A Crown?

It is essentially a piece of custom-shaped material that is designed to fit over a damaged tooth. It can be made with metal, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia. Usually, metal caps go on the molars because these teeth are less visible and need to withstand more bite pressure. Porcelain is more common for teeth towards the front of your mouth. Regardless of the material used, your dentist will make your dental crown blend seamlessly in with the rest of your teeth to make it as unnoticeable as possible. 

When Do I Need One?

A dental crown is typically recommended if a tooth is substantially damaged. It can fix a wide variety of issues, including severely cracked teeth, decay, holding a dental bridge in place, strengthening a tooth that has been treated with a filling, and protecting a tooth after root canal treatment. It can also be a good option for cosmetic reasons as well — like reshaping a misformed tooth, for example. Ultimately, your dentist will be able to tell you if it is the right option for you.

What Is The Process?

When you come in to have one placed, your dentist will take detailed images of the damaged tooth using an intraoral camera and digital x-ray. Next, they will make impressions of your teeth. The impression goes to a lab technician who will make your crown. Finally, your dentist will carefully place the bridge on your tooth, making sure it fits perfectly for your smile. 

How Do I Care For It?

Luckily, since caps are created to mimic your natural teeth as closely as possible, you just need to care for them like you normally would. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. You should also see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and a check-up. During these visits, they will make sure it is still fitting well and that everything looks good.

Have Questions About Dental Crowns?

To learn more about dental crowns and to see if they’re the right option for you, you can contact Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry in Dallas, TX at 972-329-7645. You can also visit our comfortable office at 10210 Scyene Rd. Dallas, TX 75227.