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Do you have a tooth that has sustained major damage or decay? Restorative dentistry is the answer to help you recover a healthy smile. Specifically, dental crowns provide a trusted solution for damaged or decayed teeth. At Taylor Choice Dental, our dentists utilize tooth-colored materials to ensure the most natural-looking result without sacrificing durability. Contact our team to schedule a consultation!
A dental crown is a customized cap placed on top of a damaged tooth. It is used to protect, cover, and restore the shape of your tooth when a filling will not solve the problem. Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, but porcelain is a popular choice for its natural appearance. They typically do not require special care over time other than good oral hygiene.
The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. There is an array of potential reasons you might need a dental crown, such as protecting a weak tooth from breaking, restoring a broken tooth, holding a dental bridge in place, covering a dental implant, shielding a tooth that’s been treated with a root canal, or covering a tooth that is misshapen or discolored.
You will typically only need a single appointment to get dental crowns in Taylor. The dentist takes X-rays and examines your mouth to assess the health of your teeth. If you are approved, they will numb the tooth and surrounding gums. Then, the dentist removes any decay and damaged tooth structure and will appropriately shape the tooth for the crown.
Once the tooth is fully prepped, the dentist uses a small camera to take a digital impression of your mouth. Next, they send this information to a computer, where a software program is used to design a virtual model of your crown. A special machine then creates, or mills, a 3D tooth out of ceramic. This process takes about 15 to 45 minutes.
Once the crown is ready, the dentist ensures it fits correctly and then cleans and prepares the tooth for bonding of the crown. Finally, the dentist permanently cements the crown in place and uses a special light to help the glue “set.” Afterward, they check your bite and make any necessary adjustments.
The primary benefit of a dental crown is that it can restore your damaged or broken tooth to full function. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A crown can improve your appearance since it matches the color and texture of other teeth. If your teeth have changed over the years due to nighttime grinding (bruxism), crowns and a nightguard can revitalize and safeguard your smile.
If you require a large filling or a root canal, a crown can provide strength and protection for that tooth. A crown can add stability to a dental bridge while protecting surrounding teeth. Also, consider that a dental crown can last 5-15 years and perhaps more depending on the material and your oral hygiene habits, plus getting one is a simple process, as mentioned above.