When it comes to an effective restoration technique to cover a damaged tooth, explore everything you need to know about dental crowns.

Many adults are prone to losing their teeth or damaging them in some way. In fact, 69% of young adults have lost at least one tooth.

To restore your teeth and regain functionality, or to cover up tooth damage, your dentist may suggest a dental crown. But what are dental crowns and how can they help?

If you have damaged teeth, read on to learn more about dental crowns from a dentist in Corning, NY.

What Are Dental Crowns?

When you damage your teeth, they may lose functionality. If they're chipped, cracked, broken, or have decay, it may be hard to chew and speak. So how do dental crowns work?

A dental crown acts as a cap that covers the tooth to preserve and protect it from further damage. Dental crowns often look like your real teeth, depending on what type you get or need.

The dentist cements the crown to your tooth, ensuring that it stays in place so you can regain confidence and functionality with your tooth.

Who Needs a Dental Crown?

There are a variety of reasons why you may need a dental crown from a dentist in Bath, NY. Here are some situations in which a dentist might suggest a dental crown.

Decay

One of the main reasons you might need a dental crown is tooth decay. In order to save the tooth, a dental crown covers the decaying tooth, so it isn't subject to more decay. Decay happens because of cavities.

A root canal is when the dentist removes decay from the root of your tooth. Sometimes the tooth is already damaged, so after your root canal, the dentist uses a crown to cover and protect the tooth.

Breaking

If you've suffered an injury to your tooth, leaving it broken, your dentist may want you to have a dental crown. An unprotected chipped tooth may lead to further injuries or even the tooth falling out.

Appearance

Sometimes a tooth has a dark appearance due to decay, or you have a large filling that you want to hide. In these cases, a dental crown covers the tooth's appearance.

Dental Restoration

Dental restoration is restoring your teeth to their normal function, particularly after tooth loss. Dental restoration includes treatments like dental bridges and dental implants which replace missing teeth. Dentists use dental crowns in dental bridges to cover up the implants.

Types of Dental Crowns

When you're getting a dental crown, your dentist may suggest a type of crown that works best for you. Here are some choices.

Metal

Metal crowns, like gold or alloys, are strong and sturdy. They last a very long time and are less prone to chipping or breaking. The only drawback for metal crowns is cost and the fact that they're very noticeable.

Porcelain

Porcelain crowns bond to metal to create a crown that looks like a normal tooth. However, the porcelain may chip or wear down easier than metal, and sometimes the metal part shows through.

Ceramic

Ceramic crowns are one of the best choices if you're looking for a crown to blend in, or if you're allergic to any metals. They may not be the best choice for back teeth, because they also wear down more easily. Ceramic is a good choice for front teeth.

Resin

Resin is likely the least expensive option for a crown. They are also the least durable and may crack or break more often than metal or other crown materials.

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

Getting a crown from your dentist in Corning, NY typically consists of two visits.

At the first office visit, your dentist examines your damaged tooth and prepares it for the crown. This may include x-rays, root canals, cleaning, and filing the tooth down so the crown fits properly. Your dentist then takes an impression of your tooth and surrounding teeth so they create a crown similar to your teeth that fits in the gap.

Your dentist sends the impressions to a lab, which makes the crown. This may take several weeks. Your dentist gives you a temporary crown to wear until you get your permanent one.

Your next visit consists of examining the crown and making sure that it fits well. If there are no problems, the dentist cements the crown to your tooth.

Your dentist will educate you on how to care for your crown. You'll want to avoid hard or sticky foods, as these have a tendency to cause the crown to break. Continue brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist for check-ups twice a year or more to ensure there are no problems with your crown.

Problems to Watch For

Crowns offer great protection for your damaged tooth, but you do need to keep an eye on your crown. Here are some problems to watch out for.

While your dentist should fit your crown properly and comfortably, if you do experience any discomfort, call your dentist in Corning, NY.

Chipped or cracked crowns are very common, but you should notify your dentist as soon as possible. Even though a chipped crown isn't an emergency, you'll want to fix it quickly. The same is true if your crown feels loose or falls off.

Dental Crowns With a Dentist in Corning NY

Dental crowns protect damaged teeth and restore your bite and appearance. With a dental crown from your dentist in Corning, NY, you can keep your tooth from further harm and feel confident in your smile.

Do you need to schedule a consultation for a dental crown? Visit our website today and request your appointment.

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