A Dental Crown Overview: What You Need To Know

Think you may need a dental crown? Read on to learn more about this dental restoration. Teeth are the strongest part of our bodies; however, they are also easily harmed by day-to-day activities like drinking and eating. When teeth are damaged or decayed, dental crowns serve as caps or covers to restore their shape, strength, size, and appearance. If properly maintained, dental crowns can last between five to 15 years or even more. They are essentially a long-term investment in your dental health and function.

When is a dental crown needed?

Dental crowns are custom-fitted coverings that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. They are used mainly to restore severely damaged and decayed teeth. Sometimes, a dentist might recommend them for aesthetic reasons to brighten and misshapen teeth. Crowns could be made from several materials like porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, or metal, each with differing longevity, looks, and price advantages.

Some of the conditions where a dental crown might be necessary include:

  • To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold a cracked tooth
  • To restore a broken or worn-down tooth
  • To cover and support a tooth with a large filling
  • To hold a dental bridge in place
  • To cover a dental implant
  • To improve smile aesthetics

Getting a dental crown

First, the dentist will examine the extent of damage and the suitability for a crown. This might include taking dental X-rays of the roots of the tooth and adjacent bone. Next, the dentist will reshape the tooth to accommodate the crown. This process requires removing part of the outer layer of the tooth to fit the crown.

They will take an impression of the tooth to model the crown after reshaping. The impressions of the teeth above or below the receiving tooth are also made to ensure a well-aligned bite. The dentist will then fit a temporary crown over the reshaped tooth while the permanent crown is in production. This temporary crown is made of acrylic-based materials and secured with temporary adhesive.

When the final crown is ready, patients will return for a follow-up visit. After removing the temporary crown, the dentist will place the new crown over the tooth to check the fit. The dentist may make minor adjustments to ensure the crown matches the surrounding teeth.

When the fit is satisfactory, the crown is cemented onto the tooth, covering the visible portion above the gum line.

Caring for dental crowns

Proper maintenance extends the life of a dental crown. This includes good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods and teeth grinding, and regular dental checkups. Although crowns protect the underlying tooth, the gum line is susceptible to decay and disease, so keeping the gum healthy is important.

Final note

Modern advancements in dental technology, including digital impressions, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are making the creation and fitting of dental crowns quicker, easier, and less invasive for patients. Dental crowns are a key element in restorative dentistry, providing both functionality and aesthetics that can improve a patient’s quality of life. If you have a damaged tooth that requires a dental crown, consider booking an appointment today for a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://www.baydentalfl.com or call Bay Dental Associates: Aaron Moneyhan DMD, PA at (727) 823-2007 for an appointment in our St Petersburg office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crown in St Petersburg, FL.

Recent Posts

A Dental Crown For A Broken Tooth

Patients who have damaged teeth might want to consider getting a dental crown. One of the benefits of a dental crown is that it can protect the tooth and prevent extraction from being necessary. There are many kinds of materials, such as metal or porcelain crowns. Patients can also look for more natural options, which…

Commonly Asked Dental Crowns Questions

Understanding the reasons for dental crowns allows those in need of restoration treatment to know if this treatment is the right option for them. Asking a general dentist about dental crowns allows individuals to get the detailed information they need, as general dentists perform restoration services on a daily basis, thus making them experts on…

Understanding The Benefits Of Dental Bridge

A dental bridge can replace a missing tooth or a row of missing teeth. This dental restoration can prevent you from experiencing the complications of tooth loss. Knowing this treatment better can help you prepare for your next visit. Here are some dental bridge benefits that you must consider.Teeth have roots that anchor them to…

What Conditions Would Require Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are a type of dental restoration for teeth that involve the use of artificial tooth replacement. It can be used to replace missing teeth or in cases where all of an individual's natural teeth have been lost.The bridge is fixed between two healthy teeth. The bridge spans over this area with crowns on…

Bay Dental Associates: Aaron Moneyhan DMD, PA

Share
Published by
Bay Dental Associates: Aaron Moneyhan DMD, PA

Recent Posts

See a Laser Dentist for a Painless Treatment

Laser dentistry is a painless, minimally invasive procedure that usually does not require an anesthetic…

2 days ago

Common Signs You Need a Root Canal

Here are the common signs you need a root canal treatment.

1 month ago

Top Reasons to Consider Dental Veneers for Your Teeth

Dental veneers are coverings that sit on the front, visible surfaces of the teeth.

2 months ago

4 Reasons to Get General Dentistry Preventive Treatments

Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a…

3 months ago

What Foods Are Off-Limits During Braces Treatment?

It is essential for braces wearers to avoid eating certain foods while undergoing treatment. Read…

4 months ago

How a Family Dentist Restores Damaged or Missing Teeth

Here are the details on how a family dentist can bring back your damaged or…

5 months ago