A dental is one of the most commonly applied prosthetic devices in dentistry. In fact, according to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, about one in three people over the age of 19 has at least one dental crown. This cap forms the new biting surface of a tooth and is used in various dental treatments. If you have been told that you need a crown, you may not know what to expect from the procedure and what your oral health will be like afterward.
The good news is that getting a crown is typically simple and straightforward. As an added benefit, crowns respond well to the same oral health routines that are good for natural teeth, so caring for them is nothing out of the ordinary. Here is everything that you need to know about dental crowns.
How dental crowns work
A dental crown functions as a cap on top of a tooth, replacing a missing area. A person may be recommended for crown placement for various reasons, but the process is easy and can be done on an outpatient basis.
Why would someone need a dental crown?
Since a crown covers a tooth like a cap, it is useful in many situations. Most people who get a dental crown do so because they have had multiple cavities on a tooth or a cavity that is so large that it threatens the tooth's stability and structure. The crown will hold the tooth together so it can continue to function.
In other cases, a person may have a large chip or crack in their tooth that a crown can fix. By serving as the new biting surface, the crown diffuses forces on the tooth and keeps it stable and strong.
The process of getting a dental crown
The first step in the dental crown procedure is getting a mold done of the affected tooth. The dentist will have the patient bite down on molding material so they can shape a crown that fits in with the rest of the teeth and the overall bite. It will need to be fabricated at a lab, so the patient will wear a temporary crown until their permanent one is ready.
Getting a dental crown typically requires a certain amount of numbing because it may only be affixed to a tooth after much of the enamel has been removed, leaving the sensitive central pulp of the tooth (and the dentin covering it) as the bonding point. Once the dentist has shaped and prepped the tooth, they will attach the fabricated crown using dental cement. After allowing it to cure, the crown is ready for use!
Recovery and care after a dental crown
Since a crown is made of strong material, it is fine for patients to bite and chew with it as usual. They should care for the crown alongside the rest of the teeth by brushing and flossing regularly to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
Explore dental crowns as an option
Various oral health problems can be solved with a simple solution: a dental crown. Our dentist will help you understand the crown installation process, walking you through each step and answering any questions. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Downtown Atlanta Dentistry at 404-999-1407 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.
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