Crowns are veritable workhorses when it comes to cosmetic and general dentistry. That's because they can either protect or improve a damaged tooth's appearance or replace those gone missing. They're also one of the most commonly performed dental procedures.
Not sure if you need a dental crown? In this blog, our team at Mosaic Dental in Sterling, Virginia, gives a brief overview of dental crowns, including when they may be needed.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the visible portion of the tooth — or is placed on a dental implant. In most cases, they're used to protect and strengthen a tooth that has been weakened by damage or decay. Dental crowns can also cover a tooth that has had a root canal or is severely discolored.
Dental crowns can be made from a number of materials, including metal, porcelain, ceramic, and resin. Porcelain and ceramic crowns can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth.
When to consider getting a dental crown
There are a number of reasons why you might consider a dental crown. Some of the most common include:
- Protecting a tooth weakened by decay or damage
- Holding together parts of a cracked tooth
- Covering a dental implant
- Covering a tooth that has had a root canal
- Covering a severely discolored tooth
- Covering a tooth that has a large filling and not much remaining natural tooth
The crown procedure
During your first visit, your doctor may take X-rays to examine the roots and surrounding bones. If the tooth has extensive damage or there's a risk of infection, you may first need a root canal.
After numbing the tooth, your doctor will file down the top and sides of the tooth to make room for the crown. If a large part of the tooth is missing, your doctor may use a filling material to build up the tooth to support the crown.
Your doctor will then take an impression of the trimmed tooth, the teeth above it, and the teeth on either side of it. Then a temporary crown is placed while the permanent crown is being made.
During the second visit, your doctor will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown in place.
Caring for your crown
Dental crowns typically last 5 to 15 years, and proper care can extend this time. The crown itself can't be damaged by cavities, but the tooth underneath can, so maintaining good oral hygiene is vital.
If you think you might need a dental crown, we can help. To learn more, call our office or book an appointment online today.