Dental Crown: Everything You Need To Know

Dental crowns are important if you need to restore the function and appearance of teeth which have been damaged by decay, injury or for cosmetic reasons. GB Dentistry is in Memorial, Houston and offers specialized, personalized dental expertise for each and every patient.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about dental crowns, including their purpose, the different types available, and the procedure involved in getting one.

What exactly is a Dental Crown?

A tooth crown, sometimes referred to as a “crown,” is a custom-made cap that fits over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance. If a tooth is broken, decayed or damaged, a crown can be placed over it to cover the tooth down to the gum line.

A dental crown is a helmet for a weak or compromised tooth. A dental crown is a helmet for your tooth. It prevents further decay and restores strength, which is important to overall dental health. It’s made to go right over your existing tooth and to blend in with your other teeth to give you a beautiful, natural smile.

When and who needs a dental crown?

Dental crowns are made to not only restore the appearance of your smile, but to serve an important functional role in dental healthcare. Knowing who needs dental crowns and when will help you to know if it is the right treatment for you.

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When is a dental crown needed?

Dr. Bharwani recommends dental crowns in a number of situations, including:

• To Save a Weak Tooth: A broken or decayed tooth can be supported by a crown.
• Crowns For Broken or Chipped Teeth Crowns restore the function and appearance of broken teeth.
• Cosmetic reasons Crowns may be used to correct cosmetic issues such as badly discolored or misshapen teeth.
• Root Canal Treatment Teeth that had root canal treatment are often crowned to protect the delicate work and strengthen the tooth.
• Bridges support Crowns can be used to anchor neighboring teeth to support bridges .
• To cap implants: Once the dental implant surgery is complete, crowns are placed on the exposed part of the tooth.

Who needs a dental crown?

If you have any of these dental issues, then you should consider getting a dental crown:

• People with damaged teeth Crowns can help to restore strength if you have cracked, worn down or otherwise damaged teeth and prevent further damage.
• People with large cavities If a tooth has rotted so badly that fillings will not work, a crown will be needed to protect the integrity of the tooth.
• Cosmetic Treatment for Patients If you want to enhance the look of your smile due to misshapen or heavily stained teeth, crowns are a lasting cosmetic option.
• Patients undergoing dental bridge or implant placement : Crowns are critical to the success of these procedures because they provide necessary structural support and help maintain esthetic continuity.

At GB Dentistry, Dr. Bharwani and his team of expert dentists are ready to help you find the perfect dental treatments to fight these concerns. Choosing GB Dentistry means placing your smile in the hands of a team dedicated to your dental health and esthetic satisfaction.

Procedures for getting a dental crown

The process of getting a dental crown is done in several steps to ensure that your new crown is created perfectly to the shape, size and function of your tooth. Here at GB Dentistry in Memorial, we use the latest techniques to make your experience as smooth and comfortable as possible while increasing the effectiveness and longevity of your dental crowns. Here is a step-by-step manual to the procedures on getting a dental crown:

Initial consultation and evaluation

• Dental exam: The doctor will examine the tooth and may take X-rays to see the roots of the tooth and the bone around the tooth. This way we can see if we need to do more dental work before we can put the crown on like a root canal.
• Options Discussed You will discuss the types of crowns available and which may be the best fit for you depending on the health of the tooth you are having crowned and your cosmetic goals.

Tooth preparation

• Deaden the tooth. To lessen discomfort, a local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and the surrounding gums.
• Tooth reshaping: The biting surface and sides of the tooth are shaped to make room for the crown itself. That means removing some of the tooth structure to allow a tight fit for the crown.
• Making an impression After reshaping the tooth, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth (and the surrounding teeth). You can do this digitally or with normal dental putty. These impressions are very important in the making of your crown, to insure a perfect fit for your bite.

Temporary crown placement

• Placement of a Temporary Crown A temporary crown is placed over your tooth to protect it and to keep your smile looking beautiful while your custom made crown is being fabricated in the dental lab. This is typically an acrylic crown and not as strong as the permanent crown.

Permanent crown fabrication

• Lab work: Your crown is custom-made in a dental lab from impressions of your teeth. This can take a few weeks because the dental lab will make the crown to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.

Final crown placement

• Temporary crown removal: The temporary crown will be removed when you return for your next appointment.
• Fitting the permanent crown: The doctor will fit the permanent crown and check the fit and color and make adjustments as needed.
• Crowning it: When everything is good, the crown is cemented in place to cover the tooth above the gum line.

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Things to take care of after getting a dental crown

Once you have your dental crown it is important to follow proper care advice so that the crown will last a long time and your oral health will remain good. Dr. Bharwani and his team at GB Dentistry in Memorial stress the importance of good post-procedure care. Things to Remember After Getting a Dental Crown Here are some of the important things to keep in mind:

Immediate aftercare

• Sensitivity Control: It is very common to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after a post crown is placed. If this happens use sensitive teeth toothpaste and avoid very hot or very cold foods for a couple of days
• Eating habits: Do not chew or eat hard, sticky or chewy foods that could dislodge or damage the new crown right after the procedure until the anesthesia wears off. Better to chew on the opposite side of your teeth.

Long-term care

• Oral Hygiene Maintain good oral hygiene Brush your teeth at least twice a day Floss your teeth at least once a day Keep the crown in place so you don’t knock it off. You can also use an antibacterial rinse to keep your gums clean and healthy.
• Avoid hard foods. Dental crowns are built to last, but they are not indestructible. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, hard candies and unpopped popcorn kernels that can crack the crown.
• Use protection. If you grind your teeth at nite, you might want to ask Dr. Bharwani about a nite guard to protect your crown and the teeth around it from excessive wear.

Regular dental checkups

• Routine Visits: Regular checkups are important for the longevity of your dental crown. At these appointments Dr. Bharwani can check the health of the crown to be sure it is fitting properly and that no decay is developing under or around it.

Signs to watch for

• Loose or Damaged If you feel a crown is loose, or see any cracking, call GB Dentistry right away. If a crown is loose, bacteria can get in there and rot the rest of the tooth away.
• Pain or discomfort – If you have any pain or discomfort around the crown area, it should be examined promptly to check for any underlying problems that may require urgent treatment.

Maintaining aesthetics

• Stain Resistance Porcelain crowns stain like natural teeth, so it’s important to keep your oral hygiene up. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco can stain. If you want to keep your crown bright and clean, avoid or use these minimally.

To make your dental crown last, follow these care tips to keep your smile healthy and functional for many years to come.

Benefits and drawbacks of a dental crown

A dental crown is usually a big investment in the health and look of your mouth. There are many upsides and few downsides. At Memorial, GB Dentistry, Dr. Bharwani ensures that each patient knows exactly what to expect from their dental crown procedure. Let’s look more closely at the advantages and disadvantages of getting a dental crown:

Benefits of dental crowns

• Function: Crowns are used to repair broken or decayed teeth restoring them to normal function for eating and speaking.
• Protection: Crowns are powerful protectors that defend the underlying tooth from further decay, erosion and injury.
• Improved appearance: Crowns can give you a better appearance of your smile by covering the look and feel of real teeth. Crowns are covers for teeth that are discolored, cracked or misshapen and are made to look like natural teeth.
• Durability Dental crowns are made from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic and metal alloys. Crowns are durable and can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more, if properly cared for.
• Customizable: Crowns are designed, sized, and colored to match your natural teeth so they look like a natural part of your smile.

Drawbacks of dental crowns

• Initial Sensitivity Some people have a little sensitivity to temperature and pressure after the procedure but this is normally temporary.
• Risk of damage Crowns are sturdy, but not indestructible. If you don’t have good dental hygiene, hard foods and impacts can crack them and decay can form underneath the crown.
• Cost: Crowns can be an expensive treatment, depending on the material used and how complex the placement is.
• Irreversible process Preparing a tooth for a crown involves removing some of the original tooth substance and this cannot be reversed.
• Possible Complications: Complications with crowns are rare, but can include improper fit or allergic reaction to crown materials.

At GB Dentistry, Dr. Bharwani will help you work through the pros and cons in your consultation. Knowing the pros and cons will help you make the right, educated decision based on your oral health goals and lifestyle needs.

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Let Dr. Bharwani help

Deciding to get a dental crown is a big decision that will affect not only your oral health, but your confidence in your smile as well. If you need a dental crown or want to know more about the best option for your dental needs, Dr. Bharwani can help. We know dental care should be personal and informed at GB Dentistry in Memorial.

Why choose Dr. Bharwani for your dental crowns?

• Personalized Solutions Dr. Bharwani listens to your individual dental situation and offers solutions that are specifically tailored to your individual needs.
• Advanced Dental Technology: Dr. Bharwani utilizes the latest dental technology to design and place each crown with precision to ensure a comfortable fit and natural appearance.
• Complete Care Dr. Bharwani provides complete follow up from your initial consultation to the final placement of your crown and beyond to ensure health and esthetics of your dental work.
• Comfort & Confidence At GB Dentistry, your comfort and confidence are our top priority in everything we do and at every step. We want your visits to be comfortable and stress free as possible.

If you are looking for a trusted dentist in Memorial and need a dental crown then Dr. Bharwani at GB Dentistry is a great option. Book your consultation today and begin your journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Also Read:

• Dental Implants: Procedure, Types, Advantages, Risks
• Clear Aligners – All You Need To Know
• Dental Bridge: What, How, and Where
• Dental Crowns & Bridges: A Comprehensive Guide