Are you looking into getting a dental crown fitted on your tooth but you’re not quite sure of the process? Perhaps you’re doing some preliminary research before heading to your dental professional to discuss ongoing pains or discomfort? Then this is the right place for you! Read on for everything you need to know about dental crown fittings…
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is an artificial covering to protect your natural tooth. This can improve both the look and function of a decaying, broken or eroded tooth, making it look natural whilst also drastically improving its strength, durability, function and feel. These will usually be made of porcelain or a metal substance.
Who Needs a Dental Crown?
As stated above, those with broken, decaying, cracked or eroded teeth will usually opt to have a dental crown fitted. This is usually the case when too much of the natural tooth is missing to repair it with just a simple filling. Dental crowns might also be used as a precautionary means of protecting a weak tooth or to cover cracked, stained or chipped baby teeth on younger patients.
What is Involved in a Dental Crown Procedure?
A dental crown procedure involves removing a layer of the outer surface of your natural crown. Your dental crown will be precisely the same thickness as the layer that has been removed, making for a comfortable and safe fit. In order to create this crown, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth, using a mould. This is then sent off to a technician, who will create the crown from the material that you and your dental professional have agreed upon. If you have a pressing issue, you might well be offered a temporary crown to bridge the gap between getting your new permanent crown fitted. Once your new crown has been made and is ready to be fitted, you’ll head to your dentist and have it attached using dental cement or adhesive bonding.
How is a Dental Crown Cared For?
Your dental crown will not decay, so you will not have to completely transform the way in which you care for your smile on a day to day basis. Proceed to brush your teeth, floss and clean your mouth at least twice a day to maintain your overall oral health.
What are the Benefits of a Dental Crown?
A dental crown has many benefits. These can include improving the appearance of your teeth, protecting damaged and potentially painful areas of a tooth and avoiding potential infection. These can however become dislodged as they are not indestructible, so keep this in mind. This can occur due to a decaying tooth beneath the crown, making proper upkeep and precautions all the more important.
Potential Alternatives to Dental Crowns
Although a dental crown is a brilliant option, there are other procedures out there that can help with particular issues. These can include veneers or fillings. Talk to your dentist about your options for crowns or alternate procedures.
As always, regular dental visits and diligent oral upkeep are the best ways of ensuring that your smile is as happy and as healthy as possible in the long term. If you are experiencing pain, you should head to your dentist to investigate the potential issues. Should you require dental crowns, your dental professional will work with you.
