Dental Crowns 101

Has the Dallas dentist told you that you need a crown? Well, you don’t need to be scared, dental crowns are commonly used to address different dental problems. In this post, we cover everything about dental crowns to give you an idea of what to expect.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that fully encase the part of the tooth that lies above the gums. These caps are used to strengthen and restore the function of the teeth. The crowns are fixed in place using special cement, and with proper home-care, are very long-lasting.

When Does the Dentist Recommend Dental Crowns?

The team at Trinity Dental loft, located in Dallas, TX, can recommend dental crowns to address a range of dental conditions such as:

• Strengthening a weakened tooth: During a root canal, the dentist often has to remove much of the tooth structure in the center of the tooth. This can leave your tooth prone to fracture and breakage. Typically, a crown is recommended after root canals to restore the tooth back to optimal function and prevent further damage and re-infection of the tooth.
• Restoring the appearance of teeth: Tooth discoloration is caused by various factors from age to food. Although teeth whitening does work, it may not be recommended for severe discoloration. In these cases, the best option may be dental crowns or veneers.
• To repair cracked or chipped teeth: Your teeth can crack because of teeth grinding, poor occlusion, decay, or biting hard objects. Cracked teeth provide a perfect environment for bacteria to grow and cause decay. A dental crown can help prevent further damage.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Dental crowns done at Trinity Dental Loft, require two dental visits.

First Visit:

Your initial appointment will involve assessment, evaluation, and tooth preparation. X-ray imaging may be done to check the root of the teeth and the surrounding gums.

Dr. James will numb the area to eliminate discomfort, then the affected tooth will be reshaped and trimmed to make room for the dental crowns. After trimming the tooth, a dental impression will be taken and then sent to a dental lab for fabrication. It typically takes about 2 weeks for the lab to fabricate dental crowns. A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth during this waiting period to protect it from damage and sensitivity.

Second visit:

During your second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and try in the permanent crown. After confirming the correct shade and overall fit of the crown, an x-ray is taken to make sure that the crown fits correctly. Once fit is verified, the crown is cemented with permanent dental cement.

What Are the Possible Complications?

• Loosening of the cement
• Chipping or Fracture of the Crown
• Worsening Sensitivity

If any of these symptoms develop, Dr. James and the team at Trinity Dental Loft are happy to evaluate and correct the problem.

Any Special Instructions to Follow?

Dental crowns work and feel just like your natural teeth, so you need to treat them as such. Continue to brush and floss as you normally do and have regular dental checkups. Avoid using crowned teeth to open bottles or bite into very hard foods.

If you are ready to make a dental transformation, contact us for an appointment!