Your dental team at Williamsburg Dental in Lincoln, NE strive to prevent oral health problems. Cleanings, oral examinations, and other prophylactic treatments keep teeth strong and bright and gums, pink and intact. If an issue does arise, Drs. Kotopka, Gessford, Killeen, Beddes and Rossini present treatment options preferable to extraction. A dental crown is one of them.
What is a dental crown?
Traditionally termed a dental “cap,” a crown is a tooth-shaped prosthetic which covers damaged enamel from gum line to crown. Made from gold (the strongest choice), metal alloy, porcelain fused to metal, all-porcelain (the most popular choice) or zirconia, a crown protects and strengthens a tooth that:
- Is extensively decayed
- Has had root canal therapy
- Was injured (chipped, cracked) by a blow to the mouth
- Is congenitally misshapen
- Has multiple fillings
When do you need a dental crown?
A patient needs a crown when exhibiting signs of decay, such as toothache or extreme temperature sensitivity, or when chips or cracks could lead to dental abscess. Additionally, Lincoln dentists use dental crowns to support bridgework comprised of one or more false teeth.
The dental crown process
Dental crowns normally require 2 appointments. During the first visit, your dentist examines the tooth and takes x-rays to assess the root and bone. If the tooth is a good candidate for this restoration, he removes the old filling material and decay and shapes the tooth to receive the crown. He takes an oral impression to send to an affiliated dental lab where a technician will make the crown.
The technician uses the dentist’s specific instructions, the impressions and the appropriate material. All-porcelain crowns are usually the material of choice. The dentist places a temporary filling or crown over the tooth to protect it in the interim.
During the next visit, the doctor removes the temporary and bonds the permanent restoration in place. He ensures that it fits the space correctly and bites together properly with the opposing arch.
Afterwards at home, the patient brushes and flosses his new crown just as he would any natural tooth. At-home hygiene, combined with semi-annual check-ups and cleanings at Williamsburg Dental ensure a lifespan of 10 years or more. Patients should preserve the integrity of their dental crowns by:
- Wearing a mouthguard at night if they grind their teeth
- Wear an athletic mouthguard during sports
- Avoid chewing excessively hard foods such as peanut brittle
- Refrain from tearing or biting non-food items such as plastic packaging or pencil tops
What about you?
Are you a candidate for a Lincoln dental crown? The professional team at Lincoln Dental can tell you if you should take advantage of this great dental restoration and keep your natural tooth in place. Contact the office today to arrange your restorative dentistry consultation.