Dental crowns are effective and simple solutions for many problems with teeth that are weak or damaged. At Parkwood Dental in Bradenton, FL, we can assess your dental health needs and determine whether or not a crown is appropriate for your situation. A crown can protect your teeth from further injury or and relieve any pain you may be having when chewing or brushing your teeth. Call us today for a consultation.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a prosthetic device that looks like a natural tooth. Crowns are often made of porcelain and are meant to be a permanent part of your smile. Each crown is created and shaped specifically for the damaged tooth it will protect. It fits completely over the tooth, replacing the tooth area referred to as the crown and restoring the original shape of the natural tooth.
Crowns sometimes extend down to the roots of the tooth, but they always protect the parts of the tooth that extend up over the gumline.
What Situations Require Dental Crowns?
Dental professionals might recommend a crown for a variety of different reasons. All of the situations that suggest a crown are due to damage to your natural teeth.
Cover a Large Filling
Sometimes a filling is so large that there is not enough actual tooth remaining to properly protect it. In this case, a crown can protect the filling and the tooth.
Cover a Discolored Tooth
If your tooth is discolored due to an injury or for some other reason, a crown can give you the confidence of knowing that you are showing the world a bright, white smile.
Protect a Weak Tooth
Sometimes dental work or an injury can cause a tooth to become so weak that it is vulnerable to cracking or breaking. A crown will shield the tooth from any further damage.
Relieve Pain
If your tooth is damaged, you may be experiencing pain that can keep you from sleeping properly or interfere with your life in other ways. Placing a crown over the injured tooth may help relieve your pain.
Cover a Root Canal
When a tooth requires a root canal, it can be at risk for additional problems. A crown is often used to cover the tooth that received treatment to be sure that it is protected.
Fix a Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth may cause irritation or even pain. It might also be something you’d like to change about your smile. A crown will fit over the cracked tooth so the crack can no longer be seen and isn’t open to damage or irritants.
Secure a Bridge
A dental bridge is used as an anchor to keep teeth from shifting when another tooth is removed. Dental crowns can be put in place to fill in the spaces between the bridge and help hold the bridge in place and keep it attached to the rest of your mouth.
How Are Dental Crowns Created?
Creating a crown is done by making a mold of your tooth. First, we put anesthesia on the area to numb the tooth and gums. Then we create room for the crown if necessary by gently shaving down the sides of the tooth. Then we make an impression of the tooth with putty or a digital scanner. A lab will create the crown specifically to fit your tooth.
How Are Dental Crowns Put In?
The process used in putting in a crown is simple and easy. When your crown is ready, we will bring you in for a second appointment. In the meantime, you may have had a temporary crown protecting your damaged tooth. We will remove this temporary crown and then check the fit of your permanent crown. When the crown fits correctly, we use a special cement to permanently set it in place.
Who Is a Candidate for a Dental Crown?
At Parkwood Dental, we will fully assess your dental situation with an examination and digital x-rays that will let us know what is happening in and around your teeth. We will talk to you about what you are experiencing and what your goals are for your dental health. With that information, we can suggest the best course of action.
You may be having pain because of a damaged tooth, or you may be uncomfortable with the way your cracked or damaged tooth looks. A crown may be the perfect solution to your problem. We can let you know for sure if you are a candidate.
How Can I Help Keep My Crown Strong?
Just as with your natural teeth, good dental hygiene can help your crown last indefinitely. Crowns are meant to be permanent, so your crown should remain strong for the rest of your life as long as you care for it properly and barring any accidents. A healthy schedule of bruising, flossing, and dental care is all you need for the life of your crown. We can answer any questions you have about your dental health routine.
If you are experiencing pain from a damaged tooth, or if you are insecure about your smile due to discolored or cracked teeth, a crown could be the right solution for you. Come to Parkwood Dental in Bradenton, FL, where we can determine whether or not a crown will be an effective treatment for any dental issues you are experiencing. Let us help you smile with confidence again.
