Dental Crowns Dental crowns can help strengthen those teeth which are badly eroded, fractured, or chipped. They can help save the tooth from needing extraction. Dental professionals always want to save the tooth whenever possible. Even when it has significant damage, it is always preferred to save it.What is a Crown?Crowns are small caps that are put on top of the biting surface of the patient's tooth. They can help alleviate discomfort, pain, and help restore functionality. When teeth are hurting, we all chew differently, trying to find a way to eat our food while minimizing the pain. When we do this, it can change the biting surfaces and make the jaw come out of alignment. Once the crown is in place this will not happen. Typically, crowns are made out of ceramic or porcelain. What Are Benefits of Having a Crown Placement?Certainly, losing teeth can be alarming on several different levels. If patients are suffering from periodontal disease their gum structure and jawbone structure can be compromised leading to widespread decay and disease. They will likely lose multiple teeth. A crown can help strengthen the tooth and refortify it in the oral cavity. Tooth crowns can be used after a root canal is performed, as well as replace a lost tooth or cover discolored patches. Why Are Porcelain Crowns the Best?When given a choice, dental professionals prefer porcelain. This is the most frequently used crown material for a few different reasons. Porcelain offers the patient a more natural feel when they bite and chew and is very resilient. It can replace the visible portion of the tooth from the biting surface to the gumline. The Crown Placement ProcedureIt takes more than one appointment to have a crown placed. This is necessary to ensure proper placement and to make sure the crown will last a long time. The site is prepared by removing all of the diseased tissue to make sure no decay remains. In some cases, additional procedures will need to be done in order to ensure a good placement. X-rays may be used to determine if the jawbone is strong enough to support the crown. If it is not, then bone grafts will be needed to rebuild the bone tissue. For most patients, it will take a month for the crown to arrive to the office from the dental lab. The crown will be manufactured to perfectly match the patient's mouth. It can be tinted and shaped to make sure it blends in with the rest of the oral cavity. Crown LongevityTo get the most out of your dental crown, you should floss and brush twice daily. Avoid acidic beverages and foods. Also, avoid sticky foods, which can also damage the crown. We highly recommend patients continue to come in for their regularly scheduled cleanings and examinations to make sure their crowns remain in good condition. Those with questions should contact our office. To schedule an appointment with Brian K. Dennis, DDS give us a call at 505-292-1051. |
Hours
|
