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Cosmetic Dentistry
Extractions
Dental Bonding
Root Canals
Dentures
Dental Implants
Dental Fillings
Veneers
Dental Crowns
Clear Aligners
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that go over damaged or aesthetically flawed teeth to protect them from further harm. Crowns can restore the shape and size of your teeth, give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile, and protect a weak tooth from breaking or cracking. Crowns can also be used to cap dental implants. Crowns are typically made of porcelain, metal, or ceramic materials.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
Anesthesia
Your dentist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic so that you do not experience any pain. This is usually administered via an injection into the gum. The dentist will then reshape the tooth in preparation for the crown.
Removing decay
Once your tooth is numbed, the dentist will examine the damaged tooth and remove any decay using a dental drill. The dentist also trims and shapes your tooth to prepare it for placing the dental crown. This step ensures your oral health is restored and that the crown fits correctly.
Impressions
Impressions are molds of your teeth that are used to create crowns. Impressions can be obtained in two steps. First, a putty-like material is put in your mouth. After you bite down, the material hardens to create an impression. Or else, your impression can be obtained using a 3D scanner. Then, the impression is sent to a dental lab, where the mold is used to create your crown.
Images and color matching
Dental implants and dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and zirconium. A dental professional will carefully review your aesthetic preferences with you when determining which tooth crown material will best match your appearance.
Fabrication of crowns
The crowns are fabricated by a skilled dental technician in a dental lab. The crowns are custom fitted to each patient's tooth using a dental plaster model or a digital scan. The impression captures all the details of the patient's smile, so the lab technician can efficiently craft the new crown.
Temporary dental crown placement
On average, it takes about two weeks for crowns to be fabricated in the dental lab. During this time, your dentist will place a temporary crown over the damaged tooth. The temporary cap is placed over your tooth to protect it from damage during preparation. Temporary dental caps are temporary crowns made from acrylic and stainless steel. They resemble your permanent crown.
Fit inspection and adjustments
After the crown is fabricated, the patient is brought back in for another appointment. During this appointment, we will check for the fit and aesthetics of the crown. If the crown requires any adjustments, we will complete them before permanently cementing the crown. Every crown is carefully adjusted and cemented for the best function and aesthetics.
Permanent dental crown placement
Once your dentist has checked for the crown fit and aesthetics and made all needed adjustments, your dentist will place the permanent crown in your mouth and bond it securely into place. This is usually done with a dental adhesive. With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years without issues, but it's still important to practice good oral hygiene.
What is the process involved in getting dental fillings?
Porcelain
Porcelain crowns are crafted from porcelain, an extremely durable, stain-resistant material. Porcelain is also extremely resistant to chipping and cracking. Porcelain crowns can be created to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth.
Ceramic
Ceramic dental crowns are made from ceramic, which is a type of biocompatible, hard, white, and shiny material. Ceramic is metal-free, so it won't have any metal lines that could show through your smile.
Metal alloys
Metal alloys used for dental crowns include gold, nickel, chromium, platinum, and palladium. These are strong, durable metals, and they can handle the pressure of chewing.
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) dental crowns combine the aesthetics of porcelain and the strength of the metal. They are durable and offer a strong bond to the teeth.
Zirconia
Zirconia crowns are made of a durable ceramic material called zirconium oxide. This material is strong, biocompatible, and aesthetically pleasing. Zirconia crowns can be made to match the color of your natural teeth.
Have Questions About Tooth Extraction? Find Answers Here
Dental crowns are used to repair a damaged tooth. They are sometimes referred to as "caps" because they "cap" or cover a tooth. However, dental crowns can do more than just repair a damaged tooth. A crown can also be used to replace a large filling, a cracked tooth, or an entire tooth.
Dental benefits vary widely among different providers' policies. Some plans cover crowns, but others do not. Check with your insurance provider to see if you have coverage for dental crowns.
Dental crowns are designed to last for many years. As long as patients practice good oral hygiene habits and come in for routine checkups, dental crowns can last 15 years or more. However, dental crowns do wear down over time and may eventually need replacement.
Yes, you will need to continue to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. You may also need to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning every 6-12 months.
Do you have a question? Or do you wish to schedule an appointment with us? Call Dawson Modern Dentistry at (704) 565-9512 or visit Dentist in Matthews, NC at 3555-2 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC 28105.
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