Dental Crowns
Cracked and broken teeth can cause severe discomfort and make it difficult to chew correctly. If you’re experiencing pain from a cracked or damaged tooth, Inspired Dental, your dentist in Windermere, FL, may recommend a crown. A crown is a minimally invasive and effective way to restore cracked and damaged teeth while preserving the natural tooth in its original position.
What Is a Crown?
A crown, also sometimes called a cap, is a small tooth-colored cover that goes over a damaged tooth. It can protect the tooth from further damage while also allowing you to chew on that side without pain.
Crowns are made from porcelain or resin. They are custom-made to fit your mouth, preserving the natural appearance of your teeth.
Common Reasons to Need a Crown
There are several instances when a crown is an effective treatment for a damaged tooth.
Some of these include:
- Cracked teeth – Cracked teeth often get worse with time. Covering one with a crown can add protection and support.
- Worn-down teeth – If you’ve worn down your tooth due to grinding or just age, a crown can restore the function of the tooth.
- Bridges – Crowns provide the support for dental bridges.
- Severe staining – Severe staining may need a crown to cover the tooth properly.
- Root canals – After a root canal, you may need a crown to cover and protect your tooth.
- Dental implants – Dental implants are topped with crowns to restore missing teeth.
- Broken teeth – If part of your tooth has broken off, a crown can properly cover it.
Crown Placement Procedure
If you need a crown, here is what our team will do.
Step 1 – Consultation
At the consultation, we will assess the health of your teeth and gums to determine if you can have a crown. We will also examine the damage to your tooth to ensure the crown will correct it. Sometimes, however, if you have a dental emergency and extreme pain, you may skip the consultation step.
Step 2 – Preparation Appointment
A crown requires preparation of the tooth. Every crown requires removing some of the tooth’s enamel. This gives the adhesive a better grip on the tooth so the crown will stay bonded. Sometimes, your natural tooth will get reshaped to hold the crown better. This may involve removing some of the tooth or using composite to build up areas of the tooth. The tooth needs to provide a strong foundation for the crown.
After preparing the teeth, we will take impressions of the teeth or use a scanning device to scan the teeth. These images or impressions enable us to create a crown that fits your teeth perfectly.
It takes some time for our lab to make your crown. You can’t go around with a damaged tooth while you wait, so we will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth.
Step 3 – Placement
Once the crown is ready, we will contact you to schedule the placement. At this visit, we will remove the temporary crown, then check to make sure the new crown matches the shape and color of your mouth. If it’s a good fit, we will bond it to the tooth using dental cement. When you leave, you’ll be able to eat and chew normally, without undue risk to your teeth.
What are the Benefits of Crowns?
Crowns can give you back chewing function and improve your appearance. They effectively treat worn or broken teeth and can protect them from further damage due to general wear and tear. If you care for a crown properly, you can expect it to last up to 15 years.
What are the Drawbacks or Risks of Crowns?
Like all dental procedures, a crown has some drawbacks. The most prominent one is the fact that it requires us to remove some of your tooth’s enamel. This process can cause the tooth to become more sensitive to cold and pressure. Many patients find this dissipates, but for some, it will continue. Crowns can break, fracture, or come loose over time, requiring a new crown to be placed. Since the procedure changes the enamel, you can’t leave the tooth uncovered.
Dental Crown Care
To give your crown the longest possible lifespan, you will need to care for it properly. The good news is that the care is not much different from your normal oral health routine. You will need to continue brushing twice a day and flossing daily while you have a crown.
When you do brush, use a non-abrasive, non-whitening toothpaste. You may also want a soft-bristled brush. Both of these steps will protect your new crown from damage.
We also recommend twice-a-year appointments with your dentist in Windermere, FL, to ensure good oral health and to check on the stability of your crown.
Try to avoid tough foods, at least on the side of your mouth where your crown is. Otherwise, you can treat your crown like your natural teeth, eating and drinking as you normally would.
Crowns Vs. Veneers
Both crowns and veneers cover a damaged tooth, but they do so in different ways and for different reasons. A crown will cover the entire tooth to restore function and stability. A veneer covers just the front of the tooth to restore its appearance. Crowns are considered restorative dental procedures, while veneers are considered cosmetic in nature.
The procedure that is best for you will depend on what is wrong with your tooth. If you have lost function, you will need a crown. If you just need an aesthetic improvement, a veneer will be sufficient.
Why Choose Inspired Dental for Your Crown?
If you need a crown, you want the right dentist in Windermere, FL, to handle the procedure. At Inspired Dental, we offer:
- A modern, updated facility that uses state-of-the-art equipment.
- Friendly staff and dental professionals who focus on your comfort
- Easy scheduling that allows you to receive your crown as quickly as possible.
- Expert dentists who want you to have the best possible oral health and comfort
Let us help you protect your teeth. If that means you need a crown, you can be confident the process will be as comfortable and straightforward as possible when you choose Inspired Dental.
Schedule an Appointment with Inspired Dental for Your Crown
A crown is a simple, effective way to treat cracked or broken teeth. If you are having one of these problems, schedule an appointment with Inspired Dental to discuss the best treatment. If you need a crown, our dental team will guide you through the process, helping you restore the appearance and function of your damaged tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crowns
How long do crowns last?
Typically, a crown will last around 15 years. With proper care, including regular dental checks, you can have a crown that lasts up to 30 years.
What should I do if I lose a crown?
If you lose a crown, call Inspired Dental right away. You will need to have it replaced as quickly as possible to avoid discomfort or damage to your tooth.
Are dental crown procedures painful?
You may notice some sensitivity after your crown is placed, but you should not have actual pain. If you do, please notify your dentist, so we can determine if there is a problem.
Will grinding my teeth damage my crown?
Yes, grinding your teeth can lead to the premature failure of your crown. If you are a tooth grinder, consider wearing an oral appliance to protect your teeth when you sleep.
How long does it take to get a crown?
You will need at least two dental visits for your crown. It can take a couple of weeks for the dental lab to craft the crown after your initial appointment, where scans or impressions are collected.
