Are you in need of a dental crown, but not sure what to expect? This guide will help you understand what dental crowns are used for and what you can expect when you schedule a dental crown procedure.
What is a dental crown? Dental crowns are custom-made coverings that help repair and strengthen damaged teeth. Crowns are used to improve the overall health of your mouth, but they can also be used to improve the cosmetic appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
What are dental crowns made of? The most common materials used for dental crowns include all ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys, and base metal alloys.
Why would I need a dental crown? There are a number of factors that could cause you to need a dental crown, including:
- a fractured tooth
- an old filling or previous crown has failed
- you have had root canal therapy
- you have a large cavity
- you’d like to improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth
What happens during dental crown surgery? After a consultation, you’ll be scheduled for an appointment to file your tooth and prepare it for a crown to be installed. If your tooth is severely damaged, it may need to filled in to make it large enough to receive the crown. Once your existing tooth is prepared, an impression of the tooth is taken so that a crown can be made true to size. A temporary crown is installed to protect your tooth until your final crown is ready. At a second and final visit, the temporary crown is removed and your new permanent crown is affixed to your tooth.
Is it painful to have a dental crown put on? Local anesthesia is used to make receiving a dental crown as comfortable as possible. You may experience minor pain or discomfort, but having a crown put in place is not necessarily a challenging or painful experience.
How quickly will I recover from dental crown surgery? Generally, patients experience soreness in the gums and sensitivity to hot/cold foods for up to 6 weeks after the procedure, but in most cases, these symptoms subside within a week.
What foods should I avoid with a dental crown? When preparing for a dental crown procedure, it’s important to be wary of what you’re eating when your temporary crown is installed. Avoid sticky foods that can dislodge the crown or particularly hard foods that can crack or break it. Chew foods on the opposite side with a temporary crown, and avoid flossing near that tooth, as this can lift the crown off. Once your permanent crown is installed and healed, you’ll be able to eat, brush, and floss normally.
Dental crowns are an excellent solution to fractured or rotting teeth. Know what to expect from a dental crown procedure! For the best dental crowns in Chalfont, visit Chalfont Dental Care.