A crown is a dental restoration that strengthens and protects a damaged tooth. A crown fits over the tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. Crowns can be gold, metal alloy, porcelain, or ceramic. It is custom made for each patient, so it is created in the color and shape that matches your other teeth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer several benefits, including:
- Repairing damaged teeth
- Covering a tooth that’s had a root canal
- Covering a misshapen tooth
- Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
- Improving the appearance of a tooth
- Restoring a tooth after severe decay
- Improving dental function
The procedure of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including gold, porcelain, and porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain is the most popular material because it is tooth-colored and will blend in with your other teeth. The patient can choose the type of material they prefer after considering its advantages.
The doctor will prepare the tooth by shaping it and taking an impression. The dentist will take molds of your teeth and send them to the lab. A temporary crown will be placed on your tooth until the final crown is ready. The dentist will permanently set the crown on your tooth once the crown is prepared.
Aftercare
Once your new dental crown is in place, it’s critical to take care of it properly. If you brush and floss regularly, your dental crown will last for many years. However, it’s essential to avoid some mistakes.
For example, do not eat hard foods with your new dental crown. Avoid chewing on hard candy, ice, or pencils. These habits can crack your dental crown, which will require immediate replacement.
After your dental crown procedure, it is vital to take care of your smile. This includes regular dental checkups. We will check your dental crown during these appointments to ensure it is well fitted and functioning correctly.
Dr. James Thurber DDS, located in Lubbock, TX, has modern amenities and the latest technologies that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (806) 745-6644 and book a consultation with the dentist.