A glowing smile is an excellent asset in your personal and professional life. Yet, various dental issues may limit the brilliance of your smile. At Ikon Dental Group in Plainville, CT, Dr. Khan specializes in providing various dental solutions, including dental crowns, to restore your smile to its former glory. Let’s take a closer look at what a dental crown is, why you might need one, the process involved, the types available, their lifespan, and their pros and cons.
A dental crown, often called a ‘cap,’ is a dental restoration product designed to cover a tooth entirely. The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, and function and enhances its appearance. Once cemented, the dental crown fully encases the visible portion of the tooth, effectively becoming the tooth’s new outer surface.
Crowns are used to repair damaged teeth, and they provide a robust and long-lasting solution. They also add a protective shield, safeguarding the damaged tooth from further harm and preventing the need for extraction, thus preserving the natural tooth structure as much as possible.
Dental crowns serve various purposes, from cosmetic restoration to ensuring the oral functionality of a tooth. Some scenarios where crowns prove to be the best solution include:
A filling may not fully restore the tooth’s structure when the tooth decays and can result in large cavities. In those cases, a dental crown offers a more comprehensive solution by covering and protecting the tooth from further decay.
If a tooth already has a large filling, there might not be enough tooth structure remaining to keep the filling in place. A dental crown can be used to prevent the tooth from breaking and maintain overall dental function.
Over time, the acids in foods and drinks can erode your teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity and altering the shape and appearance of your teeth. Crowns can restore these teeth to their natural shape and size while providing a protective barrier.
Chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth can lead to loss of enamel. Dental crowns can provide a new, strong surface for the teeth, protecting them from further wear and tear.
Dental crowns are often the best solution for cracked teeth, as they bind the tooth and prevent the crack from worsening. This treatment alleviates pain and sensitivity while restoring the tooth’s strength and functionality.
After a root canal treatment, teeth can become brittle and prone to breakage. A dental crown protects the tooth, ensuring it can function correctly without the risk of breakage.
Fitting a dental crown typically requires two visits to our practice in Plainville, CT. The first visit involves examining and preparing the tooth, while the second visit involves the placement of the permanent crown.
During the initial visit, we’ll take several precise impressions that will be used to create your custom crown. Meanwhile, a temporary crown is put in place to protect your tooth. The temporary crown is removed in the subsequent visit, and your new custom crown is securely bonded in place.
Dental crowns bring numerous benefits, including improved oral function, enhanced aesthetic appeal, and tooth protection. However, they do have a few potential disadvantages, such as the potential for increased sensitivity or the unlikely chance of the crown becoming loose or falling out. Rest assured, Dr. Khan will provide all the necessary advice and precautions to avoid those situations.
There are various types of dental crowns, each with its own set of attributes. They include metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-resin, and all-ceramic crowns. The best type for you depends on your unique situation, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Dr. Khan will discuss the options with you to determine the best solution.
The longevity of a dental crown depends largely on your oral hygiene practices and lifestyle habits. Dental crowns can typically last between 5 and 15 years with proper care. This lifespan can be extended with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. You’ll also want to avoid detrimental habits like grinding your teeth or chewing hard foods or objects.
We hope this guide provides a comprehensive understanding of dental crowns. If you believe a dental crown might solve your dental concern, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Ikon Dental Group today. You can call our office at (860) 400-0196 or use our online contact form. We look forward to helping you regain your brilliant smile.