A dental crown is like a cap or cover that can be placed over your tooth. It can restore that tooth to its normal size, color, shape, and function.
A dental crown is a custom-made covering that fits over an existing tooth. It's designed to bring back the tooth's natural shape, size, and appearance while allowing you to bite and chew comfortably again.
There are several reasons you might need a crown. If a tooth has been weakened by a large cavity, cracked, or badly damaged, a crown can help protect what's left of it. Crowns are also sometimes used to improve the appearance of teeth that are worn down, misshapen, or severely discolored. Whenever possible, our preference is to save your natural teeth rather than replace them, and a crown is often one way to do that.
At Northside Dental, we want you to understand your treatment options before making any decisions. We'll take the time to explain why a crown may be recommended, what the procedure involves, and what you can expect afterward. We also understand that dental work needs to fit your budget and schedule, and that some patients may feel anxious about treatment. Our team will work with you to address those concerns and make your visit as comfortable as possible. To schedule an appointment, call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 or stop by our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
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What Is A Dental Crown?
When we examine the crowns of your teeth, we are referring to the surface of your tooth that is visible above the gum-line. When this part of the tooth is damaged, a dental crown is a protective covering that sits directly on top of the tooth to help protect the remaining natural tooth structure. Crowns are shaded to match the color of your neighboring teeth and will be custom-fabricated in a dental lab using a variety of materials such as metal, resin, porcelain, or ceramic.
Crowns have a Long Life-Expectancy
The lifespan of a dental crown can be based on a variety of different variables. If you take care of your teeth by practicing a good oral hygiene routine, your crown could last several decades. This means following the industry standards of brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once a day, and avoiding hard foods that might crack the surface of the crown. The average life expectancy is usually between 5-15 years, but some dental crowns have been known to withstand up to 30 years with proper oral hygiene maintenance.
The Difference between Dental Crowns and Veneers
When you are considering your dental options at Northside Dental, you may be questioning what solution is best for your specific circumstance. If you have compared the options of a dental crown or a veneer, it is important to note that these procedures differ dramatically in placement, purpose, and functionality.
Veneers: Veneers are wafer-thin shells, usually made of porcelain, that cover just the front surface of your teeth to correct their color, size, and shape. They can hide signs of discoloration or chips and cracks. They serve primarily as a cosmetic option rather than a restorative procedure.
Crowns: If you need a dental crown, typically both you and your team at Northside Dental are interested in restoring both the appearance and functionality of your tooth. As opposed to a veneer, a crown will cover the entire surface of the tooth above the gum line, allowing for more effective chewing and biting when eating. The treatment also provides cosmetic benefits, but the primary purpose is focused on the repair of damaged or decayed teeth.
It is always best to discuss these multiple treatment options with Northside Dental to ensure you are comfortable with choosing the correct procedure for your dental concern.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Before we can place your dental crown, X-rays will need to be taken of the tooth or teeth in question to identify and confirm that there is no damage below the gum line. If the root and gums are stable, we will first remove the decayed or damaged area of the tooth before reshaping it to prepare for the fitting of the dental crown.
The next step is making an impression of the tooth to serve as a tool for the dental lab to custom fabricate your dental crown, a process that usually takes about two to three weeks to complete. In the meantime, we might place a temporary crown, typically made from acrylic, to protect the reshaped tooth from further damage.
When your dental crown is completed at the dental lab, we will have you schedule an additional appointment for the removal of the temporary crown and placement of the permanent one. Northside Dental may suggest a local anesthetic, so you are totally comfortable during the procedure. Once the color and shape of the crown are approved, we cement it into place, and you are good to go with your new smile.
Possible Dental Crown Side Effects
Immediately after the placement of your dental crown, you may experience some slight sensitivity in your teeth or gums. This reaction is quite common and can be controlled with an over-the-counter pain reliever or with a prescription medication if the discomfort is intense. There are also rinses and pastes formulated to ease the discomfort of oral sensitivity that we might suggest.
Your Comfort and Your Care
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.