What are Dental Crowns and its types?

A dental crown is a cap like structure, which serves as a cover over a damaged or weakened tooth, help in shielding the tooth from heavy chewing forces, and restore its natural look. These are custom-made to fit perfectly to the patient’s teeth and ensure the perfect natural look.

There are different types of crowns available in Douglas, MA and the kind that fits you totally depends on your personal preference and your oral health. The below table provides you with a comparison of different types of crowns-

Dental Crown Procedure – What to Expect?

The steps for a dental crown procedure are-

First Visit–

• Preparing the Tooth- To prepare the teeth for crown, dentist remove the enamel to create space for the crown. The main goal for this step is to create a strong foundation for your new crown.

• Taking dental impressions- Physical impression are taken with a putty-like material or digital impressions are taken with a handheld scanner. The impressions are sent to the dental lab to create the custom dental crown.

• Temporary crown placement- The dental lab takes two to three weeks to prepare the permanent dental crown and meanwhile your dentist place a temporary one. 

 Second Visit–

• During the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown. The dentist will check the shape, color and fit of the crown and then will bond the new crown to the tooth using a strong dental cement.

At Douglas Family Dental, we ensure that the entire process is gentle, comfortable, and stress-free. We use advanced materials and digital precision to give you a crown that looks and feels just like a natural tooth.

How to care for your Dental Crown?

You need to follow the below tips to make your crown last longer and in good condition-

• Floss between your teeth once every day. While flossing, do it gently around the crown to avoid damage.
• Avoid chewing hard food such as hard candies etc.
• Keep visiting the dentist for regular checkups.
• If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, we should use a mouth guard.
• Do not use your teeth to open bottles or other products.
• Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash to keep dental plaque and harmful bacteria at bay.

**If you notice a loose crown, bad breath, cracks or chips in your crown or sharp edges in the crown that bother your tongue or gums, you should immediately visit your dentist. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Sidhu at Douglas Family Dentist to restore your smile with strength, beauty and confidence.**

Common Concerns/Myths about Dental Crowns

• Are dental crowns permanent?
  • The average lifespan of a dental crown is five to 15 years. If you notice wear, tear or damage, it is time for dental crown replacement.

• Are crowns and bridges different and when are they used?
  • A dental crown is a cap that covers the damaged or decayed tooth, however dental bridge is a prosthetic that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Crowns are ideal when a tooth is decayed however; it is still intact to support a crown, whereas bridges are ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth without needing a dental implant.

• Are Dental crowns only for elder people?
  • Crowns are not age specific. From teenagers with tooth injuries to adults needing post root-canal protection, crowns are for everyone.

• Does Dental crowns make your teeth look fake?
  • The dental crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Dentists use the materials like porcelain or ceramic that mimic the color and texture of natural teeth.

• Are Dental Crowns painful to get?
  • It is often assumed that the dental crowns are very painful however; it is actually a comfortable and painless procedure. Modern techniques have made dental crown procedures quick and pain-free. At Douglas Family Dental, our team uses modern techniques to get you painless and seamless crown fitting experience.

• It is hard to eat with the crown. 
  • Once your crown settles, you can enjoy your favorite foods without worry. Just remember to follow your dentist’s advice for care and maintenance.

• Crowns weaken the natural teeth.
  • A crown does not weaken your tooth—it saves it as it acts as a cover to your teeth.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, damage, or cosmetic concerns, a dental crown may be just what you need. Contact Douglas Family Dental today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can restore your smile with strength, beauty, and confidence.