Dental Crowns
A dental crown is one of the most versatile treatments available in modern dentistry because it offers both cosmetic and restorative benefits, simultaneously improving the appearance of a patient’s smile and oral health.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a prosthetic dental device, sometimes referred to as a cap. Dental crowns are designed to resemble natural teeth but are hollow on the inside so that they can fit snuggly over a patient’s natural tooth and entirely cover the visible portion of the tooth.
Dental crowns are most commonly made from pure porcelain that has been dyed to match the neighboring natural teeth. Porcelain is the most natural-looking as it closely resembles tooth enamel and reflects light in a similar way. Porcelain is also quite durable.
While most dental crowns are all-porcelain, some are made from porcelain fused to metal. The type of material selected depends on the tooth to be covered and the placement of the dental crown in the mouth.
When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?
Dental crowns have both restorative and cosmetic benefits, as they are often used in a variety of procedures that are designed to save teeth, replace missing teeth, or improve the appearance of a patient’s smile.
Common reasons why we might recommend a dental crown include:
- To save and strengthen a compromised tooth after a root canal procedure
- To repair a severely cracked, chipped, broken, or decayed tooth
- To anchor a dental bridge
- As a part of a dental implant
- To cover a misshapen or missized tooth
- To cover a permanently stained tooth
If you are uncertain whether a dental crown is the right treatment for you, Dr. Gerda is always happy to answer your questions and talk about the benefits and potential drawbacks of all the treatment options that are available to you.
What Is the Process of Getting a Dental Crown?
The first step in getting a dental crown is a consultation appointment with our dentist. During this appointment, Dr. Gerda examines your mouth and discusses treatment goals. If we determine that a dental crown is the right treatment for you, we will then prepare the tooth for receiving a dental crown.
This process involves removing a thin layer of enamel from the tooth’s surface. This allows enough space for a dental crown to fit snuggly, securely, and comfortably over the tooth without crowding the neighboring teeth.
We then take a digital scan of your mouth to aid in the custom-design process for the dental crown. This information is then sent to a dental device fabricator, where the dental crown is manufactured. While the crown is being made, we fit you with a temporary crown to cover and protect the tooth.
Once ready, you will return for permanent crown placement. We clean and dry the surface of the tooth and fix the dental crown to the tooth using dental cement. You can then continue using and caring for the capped tooth as usual.
How To Care for Your New Dental Crown
Dental crowns are permanent dental prostheses and can be cared for in the same way you care for your natural teeth. Continue brushing and flossing regularly. If you experience issues flossing around your dental crown, be sure to notify our dentist. You might also consider adding the use of a water flosser to your oral hygiene routine.
Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry With Our Columbus, Ohio Dentist
If you think a dental crown might be the right treatment option, we welcome you to schedule a smile makeover consultation with Dr. Gerda. She can talk with you about your treatment goals and expectations and provide a variety of treatment options that can help you get the smile of your dreams.
To learn more about our cosmetic and restorative treatments or to schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact Gerda Family Dental today.
