What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are caps that fit over damaged teeth. A crown completely surrounds the visible area of a tooth.
Though crowns are used primarily to strengthen teeth and repair their function, they can also improve the appearance of your smile. If your damaged tooth is affecting your ability to chew or speak normally, a crown can help.
A crown can consist of ceramic, metal, or a combination of the two. Dr. Thompson usually recommends the material based on the location of the tooth.
If the tooth is in front of your mouth and visible when you smile, you may prefer a ceramic crown. Ceramic crowns look just like natural teeth, and as a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Thompson customizes them to blend in with your smile.
Though metal crowns don’t look like natural teeth, they’re very strong. They’re appropriate for molars, the teeth in the back of your mouth that you use to chew.
In some cases, Dr. Thompson may recommend a crown to support a bridge — a dental appliance that bridges the gap between missing teeth. However, a crown may be all you need to restore your teeth to good health.
What is the process to install a dental crown?
The first step to get a dental crown is taking a 3D image of your teeth using the iTero® scanner. A dental lab uses this image to create a crown that fits perfectly into your mouth and matches your other teeth.
To make room for your crown, Dr. Thompson needs to remove part of the enamel from the tooth. After removing some enamel, he cleans the tooth and then attaches a temporary crown to protect the tooth. He uses sedation dentistry techniques during this procedure so you feel comfortable and relaxed.
You wear the temporary crown for about two weeks, while you wait for the lab to create your permanent crown. Once your permanent crown is ready, you return to Dr. Thompson’s office. He removes the temporary crown, then secures and bonds the permanent crown to your tooth using dental adhesive.
How do I keep my dental crown in good condition?
Dental crowns are similar to healthy natural teeth. You can eat all the same foods that you would with your natural teeth. You should also take care of crowns the same way you would the rest of your teeth.
After you have your crown, continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and get regular checkups and cleanings with Dr. Thompson. Be sure to avoid chewing or biting on hard substances like ice, and schedule an appointment with Dr. Thompson right away if your crown is loose or uncomfortable. With proper care, dental crowns can last more than 10 years.
To schedule an appointment with Derrick L. Thompson, DDS, call or use the online booking tool.
Notes: Dr. uses the itero Scanner
References:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-crowns
https://www.aspendental.com/dental-services/dental-crowns
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns
https://dthompsondds.com/los-angeles-ca/dental-crowns/
