3 Important Questions Related to Dental Crowns

The look and health of your smile are important for a few reasons. While a strong set of teeth and gums ensure you can eat and chew properly, a healthy smile is also important for your appearance and self-esteem.



Unfortunately, certain issues, such as decay or an injury, can affect the look and underlying health of one or more teeth. Crowns are an excellent option for restoring damaged teeth. Even though they are quite common, dental crowns are something that many patients are not familiar with — specifically the reasons, benefits, or procedure. If your dentist recommends a crown, discover a few questions to ask.

1. Why Is a Crown Necessary?

The crown acts as a cover or cap for your tooth, which can be beneficial for a few reasons.

If you have a fracture or cavity affecting your tooth, the dentist can place a crown on it. The crown will strengthen the tooth, allowing you to eat and chew without pain or the risk of further damage while also preventing the fracture or cavity from spreading to other areas of the tooth.

A dentist can also use a crown to cover a severely discolored tooth, improving the look of your smile.

If you undergo a root canal treatment, your dentist may recommend a crown to cover the tooth after the procedure. Placing a crown over the recently treated tooth will protect it from food, bacteria, and potential infections or decay.

If you restore your smile with dental implants or bridges, the dentist will attach a crown or crowns to complete the look of your smile.

2. How Is a Crown Placed?

To get started, your dentist will use an anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.

They will then take an impression of your mouth and the actual tooth to ensure the crown will fit properly. However, they must first reduce the actual tooth to securely place the crown. Therefore, your dentist will reduce the tooth before taking an additional set of impressions to fabricate a properly sized crown.

The dentist will remove any signs of decay or old filling material from the tooth. They may place a composite material into a cavity opening if necessary. They then shape the tooth, creating a smooth surface for the most effective placement of the crown.

The dentist will then place a temporary crown on the tooth. You will wear this crown until the permanent crown has been created. In most cases, the lab can take several days to create your permanent crown.

The dentist removes the temporary crown at your next appointment. Then, your dentist will clean the tooth thoroughly before placing the permanent crown and securing it in place using dental-grade cement.

3. How Long Do Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are permanent restorative options, which are meant to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, certain factors can affect the durability and look of your crown.

Good oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups, is essential for protecting the health of your smile and dental crown.

Most dentists will also advise you to avoid hard and crunchy foods, such as hard nuts and ice. If you must consume these items, consider chewing them on the opposite side of your dental crown.

Finally, certain materials are more durable than others are. Many consider gold crowns the strongest and most durable option because they can withstand heavier chewing and biting. This durability and their overall looks make gold crowns a better option for your back teeth. Porcelain crowns look more realistic, but they are not as durable as gold, so they are usually recommended for the front teeth only.

For more information on dental crowns or another restoration option, contact Calm Waters Dentistry today.