If you lose your filling or crown, it is not a dental emergency. However, it is important to schedule a dental appointment with a Hollywood, CA dental fillings dentist as soon as possible to have them examine the tooth. If your crown falls off, keep it if you can find it. Your tooth may have sensitivity to cold temperatures but otherwise there is no need to worry. Give your dentist a call so that you can be seen at your next convenience. If a tooth goes without a crown for too long, the teeth may shift, which can cause more problems later. When going in for your appointment, take the crown with you. Your dentist will look at the tooth to evaluate its health before placing the crown back on.
Why would someone need a dental crown?
There are many reasons why a dentist may suggest a crown for one of your teeth. A crown may be placed onto a tooth that has a large filling or root canal. This is to keep the tooth as strong as possible for biting and chewing, making eating easier. A dental bridge can be held in place with a crown, or to cover a dental implant. As a TruGlo Modern Dental team member explains, your dentist may suggest adhering a crown to protect a discolored or weak tooth, or to cover a broken tooth.
What materials are used to make crowns?
There are many materials that your dentist may use for a crown, such as metal alloy, porcelain, and porcelain fused to metal. Depending, the materials used may include a base-metal alloy or gold alloy. A porcelain crown is one of the more natural looking materials, since the translucency and color is designed to match surrounding teeth. But it is not as strong as metal, so it may fracture or break if put under heavy grinding or biting. Or, your dentist may advise using a porcelain crown that is fused to metal, which creates a natural appearance, along with an added layer of strength.
How many visits will placing a dental crown take?
Putting a permanent dental crown often takes a couple dental visits, but there is technology that enables crowns to be created in just one day. At your initial visit, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth and gum tissue, then shape the surface and sides of your tooth to allow enough space for the crown. An impression of your jaw and the prepared tooth is taken, in addition to the opposite jaw so that a proper bite can be established. At the next visit, your dentist will take off the temporary crown and test the new crown. If the fit and color matches, the tooth and gum area will be numbed again so that the crown can be cemented in place. After the crown is adhered, there may be further dental adjustments until it fits comfortably.
Getting fillings and crowns, or a replacement crown, can be done at your local dental office. Those who think they may need a crown or other dental procedure are encouraged to visit a dental office that prioritizes patient comfort and has advanced dental technology to work with.