Dental Crowns Procedure
Dental crowns, also known as caps, are made out of porcelain material that your dentist will fit over a tooth for both restorative and cosmetic purposes. There are times when a dentist will recommend a crown to protect a tooth and to restore its function, and other times to improve the appearance of your smile. Many people believe that in order to receive a crown, you must first have a root canal procedure performed, but a root canal is not the only type of treatment for which a dental crown procedure may be required. Some other common scenarios for which we recommend a crown are the protection of a tooth from a large cavity (decay), restoration of broken or weakened teeth, replacement of a tooth (implants), and anchoring of a bridge. Below, you will find a detailed explanation for the purpose of a dental crown.
Purpose Of A Dental Crown
- Protecting a weak tooth. When a tooth’s enamel is weak, it is prone to break or crack due to decay. Placing dental caps on teeth with weak enamel will keep a tooth from breaking and hold together an already cracked tooth.
- To anchor a dental bridge. Dental bridges are used to fill in the spaces left by missing teeth. Typically, we place a crown on each end to anchor the bridge in place.
- To cover a dental implant. If you have a missing tooth, your dentist can replace the tooth with a dental implant. There are three parts to a dental implant: the implant post (the foundation), the abutment (the base), and the porcelain crowns (the artificial tooth that replaces the original tooth).
- To improve the appearance of your smile. Are you dissatisfied with the color or shape of your tooth, or do you have a chipped tooth? A dentist can place a dental crown over your tooth to improve its appearance. Placing a porcelain crown over a tooth is one of the safest and stable methods to enhance the appearance of a tooth.
- To rebuild an abscessed tooth. If you are experiencing an abscessed or an infected tooth, your dentist can perform a root canal procedure. In order to remove infection in the tissue, we will drill a large hole in the tooth. This typically leaves the tooth weak, and can result in you needing a crown placed on the tooth for protection.
- To support decayed teeth. Oftentimes, when a tooth has excessive decay, your dentist will recommend a dental crown. When there is too much decay, your tooth can’t support a filling and will need a porcelain crown instead.
What Types of Dental Crowns are Available at Your Office?
At each of our dental offices, we provide porcelain crowns to our patients. Porcelain crowns are the more natural and aesthetically pleasing option over other crown materials such as metal. Your dentist will match the color of the porcelain crown to your natural teeth. Not only are they cosmetically a better option, but they reduce sensitivity compared to metal crowns.
Join our Membership Plan
Our Discount Dental Membership plan provides a cost-effective solution for those without insurance, making treatments like porcelain crowns more affordable. First, explore our plan to discover the many options available for different needs and budgets. Additionally, you can contact any of our offices, where our friendly staff will explain the details. Moreover, the plan offers significant savings on a wide range of dental services. For more information, visit our Discount Dental Plan page on our website. Furthermore, this plan helps reduce the financial burden of dental care, allowing you to receive the quality treatment you need without high costs. In conclusion, our Discount Dental Membership plan ensures you get the best care at an affordable price. Don’t miss out—join today!
What is the Process?
The application of a dental crown usually requires two visits to the dentist. First, at your initial appointment, the dentist examines and prepares the tooth, including taking x-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone. They numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue, then reshape the tooth for the crown. Next, we take impressions of the tooth and the teeth above and below it to ensure proper fit and bite alignment. Once the shade for your permanent crown is determined, these impressions are sent to a dental lab, which typically takes two to three weeks. In the meantime, you’ll receive a temporary crown. During this period, avoid sticky or crunchy foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. At your second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary crown and verifies the shade and fit of the permanent crown before permanently cementing it into place.
Aftercare Instructions For Dental Crowns
All post op dental instructions are on our aftercare dental page if you need more information. You will care for your permanent crown as you would your natural teeth. Be sure to maintain your dental check-ups, so your dentist can detect any problems with your crown early on. It is common to experience sensitivity to cold and heat after crown placement. However, if this symptom does not go away after a week or two, please give your dentist a call. If you are experiencing the following after a dental crown process, contact your office:
- Sharp or rough spots on the crown
- Pain while chewing
- Pain in your jaw or head
- Sensitivity or pain while you bite down
- Chipped or loose crown
5-year Warranty on Your Crown
At Higginbotham Family Dental, we provide a 5-year warranty on our patients’ dental crowns. As long as you keep up with your regular hygiene appointments at our office, you will maintain your warranty!
Schedule Your Dental Appointment
Are you suffering from chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth? Or perhaps you’re experiencing pain or discomfort? While it may be tempting to search for “dental crowns near me” it’d be best to trust a qualified professional with the health of your teeth. At Higginbotham Family Dental, our highly trained and experienced team of dentists is committed to providing excellent dental care and personalized attention to you and your family. Our focus on high-quality care has earned us not only an outstanding reputation but also a high number of referrals. In fact, more than 80% of our new patients come from referrals.
For extraordinary dental care and treatments call Higginbotham Family Dental to schedule your appointment or book online.