What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a tooth’s entire visible portion. It is designed to restore the strength, size, shape, and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys.
Dental crowns offer a range of benefits, including: Restoring Damaged Teeth: Crowns can repair teeth severely damaged by decay, cracks, or trauma, allowing you to maintain your natural tooth structure. Improving Tooth Appearance: Crowns can enhance the aesthetics of discolored, misshapen, or irregularly sized teeth, giving you a more uniform and attractive smile. Protecting Weak Teeth: Crowns can strengthen and protect teeth weakened by extensive dental work or root canal treatment. Long-Lasting Solution: With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last for many years, providing a durable and reliable solution for your dental needs.
What Can Crowns Help Correct?
Dental crowns can address a variety of dental concerns, including:
- Severely decayed or damaged teeth
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Discolored or misshapen teeth
- Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment
- Missing teeth (in conjunction with dental bridges or implants)
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown typically requires two visits to Main Street Dental in East Dundee. During the first visit, Dr. Amish Desai prepares your tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the crown. He takes impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a model for the crown. Our team provides you with a temporary crown to protect your tooth while a dental laboratory fabricates the permanent crown.
For the second visit, we remove the temporary crown, and Dr. Desai carefully places and adjusts the permanent crown to ensure a proper fit and bite. Once you and Dr. Desai are satisfied with the fit and appearance, he permanently cements the crown into place.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your dental crown. Here are some tips to follow:
- Brush and floss regularly: Proper oral hygiene is crucial to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease, which can compromise the integrity of your crown.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: Chewing on hard or sticky substances can potentially damage or dislodge your crown.
- Wear a night guard: If you grind your teeth at night, Dr. Desai may recommend wearing a night guard to protect your crown and prevent excessive wear.
- Attend regular dental check-ups: Regular visits to Main Street Dental will allow Dr. Desai to monitor your crown’s condition and promptly address any issues.
Dental Crown FAQs
- How long do dental crowns last? With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can typically last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the material used and your oral habits.
- Does getting a dental crown hurt? While the procedure is not painful, your tooth may feel sensitive or tender for a few days after we place the crown. Over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate any discomfort.
- Are dental crowns expensive? The cost of dental crowns can vary depending on the type of material and the complexity of the case. At Main Street Dental, we strive to provide affordable options and work with most dental insurance plans.
- Can a dental crown fall off? While rare, dental crowns can become loose or fall off due to excessive wear, decay, or trauma. If this happens, contact Main Street Dental immediately to have the crown re-cemented or replaced.
