There are many ways to restore or fix a tooth that’s been damaged. Dental fillings are excellent at fixing small cavities or other minor tooth issues. If more significant issues are present than a dental crown may be recommended. Depending on the situation presented by the patient, often, dentists try to follow the 40% rule. If a filling will be less than 40% of the visible tooth in the mouth, then a dental filling is the correct choice. If decay is detected or a previous filling is no longer doing its job and a new filling will be bigger than 40% of the visible tooth surface in the mouth, a dental crown will be recommended. Dental crowns replace the outer surface of the tooth and are made out of esthetic porcelain to restore the strength and function to a tooth. Dental crowns also help direct force evenly down the tooth during use which can help with preventing future cracks or fractures.
At AZ Family Dental, Dr. Matthew Parker D.M.D. and Dr. Justin Ewell D.M.D. have years of expertise between them, so you can rest easy knowing your dental crown will look and feel incredible.
In this guide to dental crowns, we’ll walk you through what a crown is, when you might need one, and what you can expect when getting one.
A dental crown looks and feels like a real tooth. It’s a cap that’s set over the top of an existing tooth or dental implant. A dental crown does more than restore the appearance of a tooth — it also restores the tooth’s function. With a crown in place, a person can speak, chew, and eat just like they did when they had their natural tooth.
There are several benefits of using a dental crown and several instances when it makes sense for a dentist to place one in a patient’s mouth. Some examples of times when you might need a dental crown include:
Dental crowns offer several benefits to patients. From a cosmetic standpoint, they help restore or improve the appearance of your teeth. If you previously felt self-conscious about smiling or letting people see your teeth, getting a dental crown can help you feel more confident.
Another benefit of dental crowns is that they strengthen the teeth and can help improve the function of your mouth. When a tooth has an extensive amount of decay, it becomes difficult to chew food and challenging to eat or drink. If a tooth is missing, it can be difficult to speak. Replacing damaged teeth with a crown or using a crown to restore severely decayed teeth can be a good option.
Several types of dental crowns are available. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks, and patients should consider the pros and cons carefully when deciding which type of crown is right for them. Your dentist can also provide guidance and advice to help you choose the right crown. Dental crown options include:
If you decide that a dental crown is right for you, the procedure is usually a two-step process. During the first appointment, your dentist will take a mold or model of the existing tooth, which will be used to create the crown itself.
After taking a mold of the tooth, your dentist will prepare it for the new crown. They might perform a root canal procedure, if necessary, to remove infected pulp or tooth decay. Once the issue is corrected, the dentist will file down the remaining tooth, removing material from the sides and the top. Filing the tooth is a necessary step to make room for the dental crown. In some cases, a dentist might need to build the existing tooth back up, such as if there is an extensive amount of decay.
After the tooth has been shaped, the dentist will take an impression of it, which gets sent to the lab. The lab that creates the crown will use the impression to make sure that the crown fits and that it doesn’t affect your bite.
Before you return home, your dentist will usually make and place a temporary crown, which will cover the tooth until your permanent crown is ready.
The second part of the dental crown procedure involves placing the permanent crown on the tooth. Before placing the crown, your dentist will numb the area. They’ll then remove the temporary crown and check to make sure the permanent crown matches your other teeth and fits on top of the tooth. If everything is acceptable, the dentist will then cement the crown in place. You’ll be given instructions on how to care for your crown to help prolong its life.
Same-day crowns are also available, which eliminates the need for a second visit to the dentist.
Whether you have a badly decayed tooth or are just not happy with the way one or more of your teeth look, dental crowns can help. The dentists at AZ Family Dental offer dental crowns, along with implant dentistry, root canal therapy, and other restorative procedures. To make the process even easier on you, we now offer same-day crowns. Learn more about our services and how we can help you get a smile you’ll love by contacting us today.