Suffering from decayed, damaged, or even infected teeth? With dental crowns, they are one of our most popular restorative procedures because they provide permanent tooth restoration. They are ideal for restoring cracked, chipped, broken, or otherwise damaged teeth. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth so they look and feel like new again. We recommend this treatment option when there has been significant damage to the tooth structure.
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Dental crowns are commonly referred to as “caps,” where the dental crown surrounds the visible portion of the entire tooth. They are typically used when natural teeth are damaged by decay or trauma. Because the crown encases the tooth entirely, it protects and strengthens your tooth so that you can function and chew without worry. This method is highly reliable for repairing the most severe of dental problems. At Sloan Creek Dental, we use metal-free crowns that are both durable and natural-looking so you can smile confidently.
Your smile may benefit from a dental crown if a tooth is damaged or decayed to the point that a dental filling will not provide a successful restoration. Dental crowns are less invasive, preserve the natural tooth structure, and require much less recovery time than dental implants because the natural tooth does not have to be extracted. Most commonly, dental crowns are used to correct the following dental scenarios:
At Sloan Creek Dental, we use porcelain crowns as they are the most popular crown used nowadays due to the durability of the material compared to other crowns. Some advantages of using porcelain crowns are:
Crown placement is a two-step process that involves two visits to our office. On the first visit, a local anesthetic will be given before this part of the procedure so you won’t feel any discomfort. The dentist will clean and remove any tooth decay and shape the tooth’s surface to fit the crown properly. Once these details are complete, a impression (mold) will be taken of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental laboratory where they will fabricate a new crown where the tooth color will be matched to the natural shade of your other teeth.
While the crown is being crafted, this time we’ll fit you with a temporary restoration, so the tooth is not exposed. When your permanent crown is ready, you will come back to the office where we will remove your temporary crown, the tooth will be cleaned before placing the permanent crown onto the tooth, and the dentist will ensure the spacing and bite are accurate. Once the crown is in place, we will make sure it fits perfectly with your upper teeth. This requires some minor adjustments to the crown’s surface to ensure a proper fit.
Your crown should be treated just like your natural tooth. With a healthy oral hygiene routine like brushing and flossing regularly, going to the dentist for general check-ups and cleanings, your crown will last for a very long time.
Not all cavities or tooth decay will require a crown – A crown is typically recommended when there has been severe damage to the tooth. Decay can cause fractures within the tooth, weakening the structure and making it prone to breakage. When this happens, a crown is necessary to protect the weakened area. However, sometimes the decay is so minor that only filling material will be needed. To determine whether or not a crown is necessary, a dentist will examine the tooth and make sure there isn’t a significant amount of damage to the tooth’s root or surface.
Getting a filling now doesn’t mean that you won’t need a tooth crown later – Just be aware that a filling won’t eliminate the need for a crown in the future. If cavities or fractures compromise the dental structure, you might still need a crown even after a filling was placed. Grinding your teeth or biting forcefully also can weaken your teeth and wear down previous fillings until you need a crown.
Waiting for a tooth crown may make your dental problem worse – While waiting to get a dental crown may be an option for some patients, the longer a tooth remains untreated, the more likely it is that decay or a fracture will worsen the tooth. Depending on the severity of damage to the tooth and delay in treatment, a dental crown may be too late and require root canal therapy or even extraction.
A dental crown isn’t only for people who suffer from tooth decay – Tooth crowns can be used to treat a number of dental conditions, including extreme fractures and decay. Other reasons for recommending a tooth crown include:
Once the crown is placed, most patients find that it feels a little bulky in their mouth at first. However, they adjust to it within a few days, and if it still feels uncomfortable after that point, please call our office so that we can help you resolve the problem.
Getting a tooth crowned is generally less painful than getting a filling. Your dentist will numb the tooth while it’s being prepared for the crown, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. At Sloan Creek Dental, your dental care and comfort is our number one priority.
You might hear the words dental crown or dental cap used interchangeably. They’re basically the same as they are both tooth-shaped caps that restore a tooth’s shape and size, strength, and appearance.
It really depends on the person and the material used. Some people experience sensitivity, while others don’t. It’s all about how your body reacts to the materials in the crown.
Generally, you should expect a tooth to be sensitive for about a week or two after getting a crown.
Dental crowns can last for a very long time, as long as you take good care of them. The average lifespan is about 10 years, but with proper care of your teeth and avoid eating things that could damage or dislodge it, you can increase its lifespan even further.
Inlays – If a tooth requires repair and the area of damage is located at the top of the tooth, also known as its cusp, inlays can be placed as an alternative to a dental crown.
Onlyas – Onlays and inlays serve the same purpose, however they each cover different parts of a tooth. An onlay is made to cover the biting surface of a tooth.
Porcelain veneers are a popular option for people whose front teeth have been stained, chipped or broken. They’re made from thin layers of porcelain that are bonded to your existing tooth.
Dental bridges and crowns are both used to replace missing teeth, but they do different things.
A dental crown would be a good option if you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed but still intact. A bridge would be a good choice if your tooth is missing, but its former position is surrounded by other tooth structures.
To learn more about our restorative dentistry for a permanent solution, or our other dental services, schedule an appointment at our conveniently located dental office near Allen, McKinney, in Fairview, TX. Simply call us at (972) 468-1440 or email us and our friendly team will help restore your smile!
At our dental office, your oral health is important, and you can rest assured your dental needs will be taken care of in a thoughtful and attentive manner.
I arrived a few mins early for my crown and tooth extraction (lucky me), and was seen almost immediately…I can honestly say that I’ll definitely be coming back if I need more dental work. The place is clean, modern, and I felt safe in a covid environment…
I have been to a few different dental offices, and this one is by FAR the BEST! The entire staff was so great and friendly. I really enjoyed my visit and will be transferring my whole family to this office.
A great experience at Sloan Creek Dental. The Dentist, Dr Feng and her staff are first class. Gentle cleaning and exam. Dr. Feng is personable, professional and makes you feel so comfortable during the exam. On a scale of 1-10 the staff and Dr Feng are a 10+. We have found the best Dentist in Fairview/McKinney area of Texas. Highly recommend Dr Feng…clearly the “best of the best”!
Just about anything you need under one roof. Your Fairview dentist near Allen and McKinney has your family covered.
