A dental crown is a versatile and commonly used solution in modern dentistry. Whether you need to restore a damaged tooth, improve your smile, or enhance your oral health, dental crowns can play a crucial role. At TruSmile Family Dental, we’re committed to providing high-quality dental care, including expertly crafted crowns that look natural and last for years.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key aspects of dental crowns, including their benefits, the process, and how to care for them.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. They are custom-made to fit your tooth and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer numerous benefits that make them a popular choice for both restorative and cosmetic dentistry:

Protection for Damaged Teeth:

Crowns are used to protect weak or damaged teeth from further decay, fractures, or wear. This is particularly helpful after a root canal treatment or when a tooth has a large filling that weakens its structure.

Restoration of Function:

Crowns restore the function of teeth, allowing you to chew, bite, and speak without discomfort. They can also help with the proper alignment of your bite.

Improved Aesthetics:

Dental crowns can enhance your smile by covering discolored or misshapen teeth, giving you a more attractive and natural-looking appearance.

Durability:

With proper care, dental crowns can last for 10 to 15 years or longer. Crowns made from high-quality materials like porcelain or ceramic are resistant to staining and mimic the natural translucency of real teeth.

Versatility:

Crowns are not only used to restore individual teeth but also in dental bridges and implants to replace missing teeth. This makes them a flexible solution for various dental issues.

The Dental Crown Process

Getting a dental crown typically involves two appointments at TruSmile Family Dental:

Initial Consultation and Tooth Preparation: During your first visit, your dentist will examine the tooth to ensure it can support a crown. This may involve X-rays to check the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone. If the tooth is decayed or damaged, your dentist will remove any decay and shape the tooth to fit the crown.

After the tooth is prepared, an impression of the tooth is taken to create a custom-fit crown. While your permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental lab, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it.

Placement of the Permanent Crown: At your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent crown. If everything looks good, the new crown is permanently bonded to your tooth using dental cement. Your dentist will ensure the crown fits comfortably and matches the natural look of your surrounding teeth.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of your dental crown. Here are some tips to keep your crown and surrounding teeth in great condition:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene:

Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying special attention to the area around the crown. While the crown itself cannot decay, the tooth underneath is still vulnerable to cavities and gum disease.