Dental crowns are essentially caps that fit over an existing tooth. They look like regular teeth but are hollow. This allows the crown to be cemented in place in alignment with your natural bite. Here are several reasons someone might require a dental crown.
Tooth damage occurs for a number of reasons including blows to the mouth, falls, or biting down on something hard. Crowns can be inserted over a damaged tooth to enable you to chew normally and protect the tooth from additional destruction.
Further, a tooth weakened by decay or large fillings sometimes requires crowns to stabilize it. The crown restores the mouth to its original state and prevents discomfort and awkward chewing.
Small cracks in teeth can escalate quickly to total breaks and may result in loss of the tooth if left untreated. Dentists sometimes trim teeth below the crack and use a dental crown to cover the partial tooth. Teeth that are slanted or very crooked can be trimmed and covered with dental crowns in some cases as well.
Root canals often leave teeth weakened and prone to wearing quickly. In some instances, dentists recommend crowns to protect what is left of the tooth and allow the patient to speak and eat normally.
Some single dental implants require a crown to top them off. The crown ensures that the space left by the lost tooth is covered and that the patient's mouth is comfortable and functional.
You see your dentist for two separate appointments when having dental crowns placed in your mouth. At the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth for a crown by filing it down. In addition, x-rays may be taken of the tooth and the bone surrounding it. Some patients need a root canal because of decay, infection, nerve damage, or blood vessel damage. This may require an additional appointment if there is not adequate time to complete the procedure that day.
Next, your dental professional takes an impression of the tooth and the teeth above the area to ensure your bite is not disrupted. The impression is sent to a lab where the crown is made. It typically takes between two and three weeks for a crown to come in. In the meantime, you wear a temporary crown to protect the tooth as you await the arrival of the permanent crown.
At your second dental crown appointment, the permanent crown will be placed in your mouth. Your dentist will begin by removing the temporary crown. The shape, color, and fit of the new crown are also examined. If happy with the permanent crown fit, the dentist will cement the dental crown into place over the existing tooth.
Dental crowns are common procedures that help resolve numerous oral health issues. If you are suffering from pain or damaged teeth, a dental crown may be the solution to your problem.
Request an appointment here: https://princewilliamdental.com or call Prince William Dental at (703) 662-8287 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.
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