What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that fits over the top of an existing tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. We often use crowns for teeth broken, worn, or partially destroyed by tooth decay. We can also use a crown to protect a weak tooth from further damage or decay. Crowns are “cemented” onto an existing tooth and fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface.
There are several types of crowns available at Clark Dental Group. Dentists make crowns from porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. Many patients prefer porcelain crowns because they closely mimic the translucency of natural teeth and offer excellent strength. Our team will help you choose the option that best fits your needs.
When Are Dental Crowns Used?
Dental crowns are a fantastic option for restoring teeth to their full potential. Crowns look natural and can last many years with proper care. Even if you don’t have any visible teeth issues, wearing a dental crown offers preventive benefits that can help maintain good oral health in the long run.
We can use dental crowns in many different situations. We may recommend a crown if you have a cracked or chipped tooth or need to cover up discoloration or other cosmetic imperfections with your teeth. Dentists often place crowns or onlays (partial crowns) when a tooth lacks the strength to hold a filling or when they replace large fillings that no longer support the tooth. They also use crowns after root canal therapy and to restore teeth that have broken or become severely worn down.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
Placing dental crowns typically requires two visits to our office—one for preparation and one for placement. Unlike fillings, which dentists place directly in your mouth, a dental lab fabricates your crown outside your mouth. A technician uses your unique tooth impression to evaluate your bite and jaw movements in detail. The technician then sculpts your custom crown to ensure your bite and jaw function normally once we place it.
During the preparation visit, we will take impressions and x-rays of your mouth to create a custom-made crown that will fit perfectly on top of your existing tooth structure. On the second visit, we will cement the permanent restoration into place so that it looks natural and blends in with your smile flawlessly!
After you have your dental crown placed, it is crucial to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Additionally, use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush when brushing. It’s also important to visit Dr. Clark regularly for checkups to ensure the health of your teeth. In between appointments, let us know if you notice any changes or odd sensations in the area around your crown. You can look forward to a lifetime of healthy smiles with proper care and attention!
Quality Midlothian and Cedar Hill Dental Crowns
At Clark Dental Group, we understand how important it is to feel confident in your smile—sometimes, that means getting a little extra help from dental restorations like dental crowns! If you think dental crowns are right for you, contact us today to schedule your first appointment and start restoring your smile! We look forward to helping you achieve beautiful results that last!