Do you have a pesky tooth that just seems to bother you? Perhaps it’s a different color, shape, or is too sensitive to temperature. A dental crown is a cap that is tooth-like, and gets cemented on top of an existing tooth. The tooth underneath is usually in need of cosmetic, reshaping, or stability. By using a crown, the original tooth, that is cracked or broken, can stay with the dental root. The intention of a crown is to give your troublesome tooth a much needed boost so that it functions better and is healthy. Crowns can protect a weak tooth, address damage, or cover misshapen or discolored teeth.
Does getting a dental crown cause pain?
Most people get nervous about the dentist because they don’t want to experience pain. With any type of restorative dentistry, some discomfort may occur. But there is a local anesthetic that can be applied to the area so you do not experience pain while the drilling or filing is happening. As a team member from TruGlo Modern Dental explains, once the new crown is placed, you may have some gum tenderness, but that is normal as the mouth adjusts to a newly structured tooth.
Do I have a choice in what types of material is used?
Permanent crowns can be created with the use of porcelain fused to metal, resin, ceramic, or all metal. Metals entail gold alloy, among other alloys, or a base metal alloy. If you compare it to other types of crowns, less tooth must be removed if you have a metal crown applied. Metals can also withstand more chewing and biting force and can last longer in terms of being worn down. Porcelain fused to metal crowns can be used to match your nearby teeth, which metal crowns cannot offer. Porcelain material is the closest to what a natural tooth appearance looks like.
Resin dental crowns are more cost effective than other crown materials, however, they do wear down over the course of time and are more likely to fracture. All porcelain or all ceramic dental crowns offer the most natural color, and may be better for those with metal allergies. But they are not as strong as porcelain fused to metal crowns. Temporary crowns can be made in the dental office until the permanent crown is made in a dental lab and received by your dentist. Dental crowns are made of stainless steel or acrylic and can be used as a temporary approach until the permanent crown arrives and can be placed.
How can I properly care for my dental crown?
Your new crown will have to be treated just as well as the rest of your teeth. They can last around 5-15 years if you practice disciplined flossing and brushing regularly. This is to ensure that the gums at the base of your crown cap stay healthy. It is also suggested that you avoid abrasive food or hard items that can wear down a crown compared to a natural tooth. If you do eat food that is hard, such as candy or ice, you may need a replacement crown sooner than it is expected to last.