What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are restorations that fit over the entire tooth. They provide a protective shell around the tooth. Dental crowns are most commonly recommended to protect teeth that have undergone advanced decay. They are used for teeth that have had root canal therapy. Dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic reasons, such as to cover teeth that are misshapen, discolored, or crooked.

Dental crowns are custom made to match your natural teeth. This ensures that they are not only functional, but cosmetically pleasing as well.

What are the benefits of dental crowns?

Dental crowns can replace a tooth that is decayed, broken, or severely damaged. They are also used in cosmetic dentistry to cover discolored teeth, replace metal fillings, or protect teeth after a root canal. Crowns can also be used with dental bridges to replace one or more missing teeth.

What types of dental crowns are available?

Traditional dental crowns are crafted from ceramic. They are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. However, they can also take multiple visits to receive, since they require multiple dental appointments and dental impressions to be made.

If you want your restoration to blend in with your natural teeth faster, you might want to consider a composite resin dental crown. This material is lifelike and matches the color of your natural teeth. However, the material is not as durable as ceramic.

What are dental crowns made of?

A dental crown is essentially a cap that is placed over a tooth to cover it. Crowns are made of a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, or full gold. Each material has its own pros and cons, but porcelain is typically used as it most closely resembles the color of your natural teeth.

How are dental crowns placed?

For your dental crowns to fit properly, your dentist must remove the damaged areas of the tooth. Then, your dentist can make an impression of the tooth. This impression is sent to a dental lab where your crown will be fabricated.

While the crown is being made, your dentist will place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it. Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will check the fit before cementing it in place.

How long does it take to get a dental crown?

A dental crown restoration will require two appointments at your dentist’s office. At the first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth and make an impression of your tooth. This impression will then be sent to a dental lab where your custom crown will be made. You will receive a temporary crown to wear while your permanent crown is being created. At your second appointment, your dentist will fit and bond your permanent crown to your tooth.

How much pain can I expect after getting my dental crown?

Dental crowns offer more than just cosmetic benefits. A dental crown can also improve the tooth’s function and structure. That’s why patients will experience mild tooth sensitivity after their dental crown procedure. However, the pain should only be temporary.