Dental crowns have been used for generations to preserve and repair teeth. The custom-made caps fit over the entire surface of a tooth visible above the gum line. While they were commonly made of metals in the past, modern restorations are made of all-ceramic materials, so your crown will look just like a real tooth. You don’t have to worry about a painful day in the dentist’s chair because they’ll use the latest techniques and technologies to keep you comfortable. Here’s what you can expect if you need a dental crown in Flower Mound.
When is a Dental Crown Necessary?
A crown is a versatile treatment that can be used for several purposes, like to preserve a weakened tooth from breaking. However, they also offer many restorative benefits, like treating a large area of decay, break, or fracture. Crowns can also be used along with other treatments, such as root canal therapy. No matter the reason, they provide a long-term solution that can last for a decade or more with the right care.
Process of Getting a Dental Crown
You’ll first require a consultation with your dentist to create a personalized treatment plan. Based on the results of their examination, they may recommend additional procedures, like a root canal. After any preliminary treatments, the first step to getting a crown will involve preparing your tooth to allow a crown to fit over it.
Your dentist will administer a local numbing agent, so you won’t feel anything while your tooth is reshaped. They will take an impression of your mouth to get the information necessary to create your restoration. The impression is sent to the dental lab, where they’ll craft it with the utmost precision to ensure it fits your tooth like a glove. It can take a couple of weeks, so your dentist will place a temporary crown while you wait. Once they send your restoration back to the office, they’ll bond your permanent crown in place, which is a pain-free process.
Although you won’t feel anything during your appointments, it’s normal for your tooth to be a little tender afterward. You can manage it with an OTC pain reliever. Your dentist will also recommend eating soft foods for a few days. In no time at all, you’ll soon forget it isn’t part of your natural tooth.
Maintaining Your Dental Crown
Your crown can last for 10 years or more with the proper care, like brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly. Limit how often you eat hard or chewy foods, and break any bad oral habits, like chewing on your fingernails. With the right attention, your crown can thrive for years before needing to be replaced.
About Dr. Rodger Song
Dr. Song earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry and has regularly continued his education to provide advanced services, like restorative dentistry and oral surgery. He is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. If you need a dental crown, contact our office today to request an appointment.