Dental Crowns – Derby, KS
A Trusted Solution for Damaged or Decayed Teeth
Do you have a tooth that has sustained major damage or decay? Restorative dentistry is the answer to help you recover a healthy smile. Specifically, dental crowns provide a trusted solution for damaged or decayed teeth. At Illuminate Family Dentistry, Dr. Clark utilizes various materials to provide the right type of crown for each patient and ensure the most natural-looking result without sacrificing durability. Contact our team to schedule a consultation!
Why Choose Illuminate Family Dentistry For Dental Crowns?
- Dental Insurance Covers Crowns 50-80 Percent
- Natural-Looking Restorations For A Winning Smile
- Crown Material Chosen Based On Patient’s Needs
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a customized cap placed on top of a damaged tooth. It is used to protect, cover, and restore the shape of your tooth when a filling will not solve the problem. Dental crowns can be made of a variety of materials, but porcelain is a popular choice for its natural appearance. They typically do not require special care over time other than good oral hygiene.
The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. There is an array of potential reasons you might need a dental crown, such as protecting a weak tooth from breaking, restoring a broken tooth, holding a dental bridge in place, covering a dental implant, shielding a tooth that’s been treated with a root canal, and covering a tooth that is misshapen or discolored.
The Process of Getting Dental Crowns
You will typically have two appointments to get dental crowns in Derby. During the first visit, the tooth that’s going to receive the crown is examined and prepared. X-rays are taken of the tooth and the bone around it.
Once your dentist determines that you do not need a root canal before your crown procedure, they will file the tooth down across the top and sides to create space. The amount of tooth filed depends on the type of crown you are getting. If too much of your tooth is missing, a filling material can be used to build sufficient tooth structure.
Then, an impression is made of the tooth receiving the crown and the tooth below it so as not to affect your bite. The impressions are sent to a lab and in the 2-3 weeks to follow, you will wear a temporary crown prepared by your dentist in Derby. On the second visit, the temporary one is removed, and your permanent crown is cemented in place!
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
The primary benefit of a dental crown is that it can restore your damaged or broken tooth to full function. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A crown can improve your appearance since it matches the color and texture of other teeth. If your teeth have changed over the years due to nighttime grinding (bruxism), crowns and a nightguard can revitalize and safeguard your smile.
If you require a large filling or a root canal, a crown can provide strength and protection for that tooth. A crown can add stability to a dental bridge while protecting surrounding teeth. Also, consider that a dental crown can last 5-15 years and perhaps more depending on the material and your oral hygiene habits, plus getting one is a relatively simple process as mentioned above.
Dental Crown FAQs
Dental crowns in Derby have held a commonplace in dentistry for generations because they are effective and durable. Although they are supported by decades of success, it's normal to have a few concerns if you need a crown. Don't worry, Dr. Rachel H. Clark will explain everything during your consultation so you will know exactly what to expect. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about crowns.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
A crown is meant to serve as a long-lasting solution, but it will need to be replaced eventually. Although crowns aren't permanent, they aren't reversible either. Your tooth must be reshaped to allow the restoration to fit over it. As a result, it will be vulnerable to damage without the protection of a crown. You won't have to budget for replacements often by committing to good oral hygiene habits at home and regular care from your dentist.
Is Getting a Dental Crown Painful?
The process of getting a crown isn't painful, but it's not uncommon to require a little prep work, like root canal therapy. Your dentist in Derby will keep your comfort as her top priority to ensure a pain-free procedure. Dr. Clark may use a local numbing agent to block any pain, depending on your treatment plan. You may feel pressure, but you won't have any outright discomfort. Although you won't feel anything during your procedure, your tooth can't be a little tender for a few days after the effects of any numbing agents wear off. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and eat soft foods until your tenderness improves.
Can Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Dental crowns aren't vulnerable to decay, but that doesn't mean you can stop brushing and flossing. Not only are your real teeth susceptible to cavities, but decay can occur underneath your restoration. Poor oral hygiene habits can cause plaque and tartar to build up around your crown near the gum line. Bacteria can gain access to your tooth through small cracks in the cement that hold the crown in place. Good oral hygiene and a diet limited in sugar are essential for a cavity-free smile.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The average lifespan of a dental crown is 10 to 15 years, but many factors affect the duration of your results, like the materials used. The tooth being treated can also affect its life expectancy. Molars undergo more wear and tear naturally, so crowns on back teeth may have a slightly shorter lifespan than those used in the front. You can get the most from your investment by brushing, flossing, and using daily mouthwash. Break any bad habits that can damage your crown, like chewing on ice or biting your fingernails. If you suffer from bruxism, ask your Dr. Clark for a nightguard to protect your smile. Limit how often you have hard, chewy, or sugary foods. Besides caring for your crown at home, visit your dentist every 6 months for cleaning and checkup.