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Three Important Facts About Dental Crowns

A dental crown is an artificial, tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a natural tooth. Once the crown is cemented in place, the entire natural is covered. This article will explore the top four reasons for using crowns.

1. Teeth that are misshapen or badly stained and discolored may do very well with crowns. The crown is placed over the tooth and you have the advantage of both the strength and appearance of the crown, but also the natural strength of your natural tooth.

TIP 1: Expect to make several visits to the dentist before a crown is completed. X-rays will be taken, impressions will be taken, the natural tooth will be prepared to accept a crown and a temporary crown will be applied. This may take one or more visits. The last visit will be used to cement the crown in place and refine your bite for the best possible fit to the rest of your teeth.

2. Crowns are used to anchor a permanent dental bridge. The teeth immediately to the front and back of the gap will be crowned. The crowns will be part of the bridge itself, so once cemented, the bridge may be stronger than natural teeth. When the dentist properly contours the grooves in the crown, you may actually have more efficient chewing power than you had with your uncrowned teeth.

TIP 1: Be aware that the strength of the bridge decreases with each additional gap it is used to fill. Solid anchor teeth that are crowned as part of the bridging process are the best way to ensure strength of the bridge

TIP 2: Although the bridge and crown appliance is permanent, care must be taken to clean under the bridge. There are special dental floss guides called bridge or floss threaders that will help you maneuver floss between the bridge and your gums. If food particles are left to decay under the bridge, you will experience bad breath, possibly infection in the gums and your anchor teeth may develop cavities.

3. Crowns can protect teeth that are cracked, chipped or weakened by large cavities that have been drilled out and filled. Often a root canal procedure is performed on a tooth that has great decay. Over time, the effect of a root canal weakens and discolors the tooth. A crown is the best solution. You will most likely get a temporary crown to wear while the permanent crown is being made. Temporary crowns require special care in order to keep them in place.

TIP 1: Avoid chewing hard food or objects and raw vegetables such a carrots. You increase the chances of dislodging the temporary crown.

TIP 2: Refrain from chewing gum and other sticky foods like caramel. A temporary crown is not cemented to withstand excessive pulling.

TIP 3: Chew on the other side of your mouth as much as possible to reduce stress on the temporary crown. Chewing habits are difficult to break, but do your best so the temporary crown lasts until the permanent one is ready.

TIP 4: When you floss your teeth, be sure that you pull or slide the floss through the space between your teeth. If you pull it upwards, you risk pulling the temporary crown loose.

Crowns can make your own teeth stronger, longer-lasting and more comfortable. They are often the best and most cost-effective solution for a variety of dental problems.

Tags: Crowns, Dental Crowns

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