A dental crown is a versatile type of restoration used in a wide variety of procedures. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged tooth, recovering from a root canal, or replacing a missing tooth with an implant, crowns can restore function and enhance the appearance of your smile.
Our Newport Beach dentists have used dental crowns to improve the oral health of countless patients. To learn more about the benefits crowns can offer, schedule your first-time consultation at Newport Beach Dental!
Dental crowns are a widely used and very popular example of restorative dentistry. Also called a “cap,” a crown is placed over a vulnerable tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Especially when crafted and placed by a team of experienced dental professionals, crowns can protect a weak tooth from further damage; restore a tooth after a large filling; serve as the visual portion of a dental implant; and improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth.
Who Is a Candidate for a Dental Crown?
A dental crown may be your ideal option if you:
Have broken, damaged, worn, or fractured teeth
Are experiencing significant decay
Want to improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or misaligned teeth
Crowns are also used in the creation of dental implants and bridges. At our practice, we custom-build our crowns to match the shape and color of your natural teeth. No matter your individual oral health needs, the goal is for your crown to feel and look as authentic as possible.
Dental Crowns vs. Implants
Like we mentioned above, dental crowns play a key role in the dental implant procedure. With this in mind, crowns and implants are not interchangeable, and they serve two very different purposes in the world of restorative dentistry. Whereas a crown is designed to cover a tooth in order to protect it from further damage, an implant replaces the entirety of the tooth, beginning with its root.
The choice between a crown or an implant will depend on the nature of your concerns. For instance, if you need to replace an entire tooth, you may be better suited for an implant rather than a crown. During your initial consultation, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your oral health and help you decide which may be the best choice.
What Does the Dental Crown Procedure Involve?
In most cases, the dental crown procedure can be completed in two visits. Once a crown has been deemed necessary, your dentist will take an X-ray of the tooth and prepare it for a crown by removing enamel and decay. We will then take a digital impression and send it to our lab, where it will be used as a blueprint for your permanent restoration. While your crown is being made, we will place a temporary acrylic crown to protect your tooth.
During your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed. After ensuring that your permanent crown aligns correctly with your surrounding teeth and bite, your dentist will secure the crown with a dental adhesive.
What Is Recovery Like After Getting a Dental Crown?
Recovery after getting a dental crown is generally quick, and significant post-procedural discomfort is rare. You may experience mild sensitivity or soreness around the treated tooth, but this should subside within a few days and can usually be mitigated with over-the-counter medications.
With your temporary and permanent crowns in place, it will be important for you to practice good oral hygiene to keep the treatment area clean and aid in healing. Immediately after the permanent restoration is placed, we also advise you to avoid eating sticky foods, which can damage the new crown.
Most patients adjust to their dental crown within a week. That said, if you have any questions about your recovery from the dental crown procedure, never hesitate to contact our office.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
When you entrust your care to a seasoned dental professional, a dental crown can last up to 15 years. It’s important to note, however, that your crown’s longevity will depend on the materials used, your individual oral health concerns, your general dental hygiene, and other factors.
To reap the full benefits of your crown, be sure to brush at least twice a day, floss consistently, and attend your dental cleanings and exams as directed.
