Why You Should Consider Getting Dental Crowns
Discolored, chipped, cracked, or worn down teeth are a dental challenge. Not only do they affect your smile, but can also impair your dental health. The cracks can trap food particles that feed the disease-causing bacteria. Fixing these dental problems improves your appearance and oral health. Fortunately, we have several treatments available that can help repair your cracked and chipped teeth such as dental crowns.
These are caps that encase the entire tooth and change its look. Before you can get a dental crown here are five facts to know:
1. Crowns Change the Appearance of Your Teeth
Our teeth crown dentist in Worcester, MA, can recommend dental crowns to address several problems such as:
- Weak and worn-out teeth. The dental crowns preserve the teeth and keep them from breaking.
- Decayed teeth. The dentist will use the crowns after the root canal treatment to restore the function of the teeth.
- Dental crowns are used to cover the implants and bridges
- Severely discolored teeth.
2. Crowns Are Easy to Install
The dental crowns procedure usually needs two visits and involves a few steps:
- Examination and planning
On the first dental visit, the dentist will do a comprehensive assessment of the teeth and gums. An x-ray may be done to check the condition of the jaw bone. The dentist will take you through the crown procedure and the risks involved.
Teeth cleaning may be done to remove any food particles get the teeth ready for the crowns.
- Teeth preparation
Your teeth need reshaping to make room for the crowns. The dentist may remove about 60 to 75 percent of the teeth depending on the damage and the thickness of the crowns chosen.
This procedure can cause the teeth to become sensitive, but the dentist will use anesthesia to numb the gums and teeth. A cast of your teeth is taken to make the permanent crowns. It can take a few weeks to get the crowns, so the dentist will cover the teeth with temporary crowns to protect them.
- Fixing the crowns
The permanent crowns are fixed on the second visit. The dentist will cement and harden them with laser light.
3. There Are Different Options Available
Dental crowns are available in different materials and the dentist will choose one based on the location of the affected teeth.
- Stainless steel crowns. These are prefabricated at the dental office and they do not need the steps of the traditional crowns. These are ideal for primary teeth as they are easy to install. The dentist can also use them as a temporary measure as you wait for the permanent crowns.
- Porcelain crowns. These are the commonly used caps as they have a tooth-color that resembles your natural teeth. They are stain-resistant and durable.
- Metal crowns. These are very durable and can withstand biting pressure. That’s why they are fixed on the back teeth. They are, however, very expensive and are not aesthetically pleasing.
- Porcelain-fused-to-mental. These crowns offer the durability of the metals and the aesthetics of the porcelain ones.
4. They Have a Few Complications
Although the dental crowns are effective, they have a few complications like:
- Tooth sensitivity may develop as the anesthesia wears out. However, the dentist may prescribe sensitive toothpaste to ease the discomfort.
- Loosening of the crowns can occur if they are not fixed properly or you bite a hard object.
- Gum discoloration can also develop if you choose the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
5. The Crowns Are Durable
The crowns can last between 10 to 15 years. However, this will depend on how well you take care of the crowns. It is important to avoid biting hard objects or use teeth as tools.
Visit the dentist regularly for a checkup on the condition of the crowns. If there are chips or cracks, food particles may sneak in and cause decay.
Schedule an Appointment
Teeth crowns can restore the integrity of the teeth and improve the appearance of the smiles. Visit Tatnuck Family Dental Care for more information about dental crowns in Worcester, MA and how they are fixed.
