FAQs About Dental Crowns

Dental Crown is one of the most popular dental treatments and it is recommended by multiple dentists for the treatment of a variety of dental problems as well as for cosmetic purposes.

If you are looking to get dental caps installed here in Seattle, you may have some questions about dental crowns as well as the procedure of putting them in.

Here we will answer some of the most common questions that people have about this treatment when they visit a dentist.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is normally placed over a tooth to protect it from further damage or decay. It is also helpful in restoring a tooth’s shape, size, and strength and is also used to enhance its appearance.

When is a Crown Needed?

A dentist might recommend a dental cap for the treatment of various dental ailments including:

Covering a dental implant in order to keep it safe.
Covering up a tooth that is discolored or aesthetically unappealing.
Holding a dental bridge in place so that it can properly set in.
Protecting a weak tooth from further damage.
Restoring a severely damaged or worn down tooth.

What Types of Caps Are Available?

Caps are commonly made using materials like:

Metal
Ceramic
Resin
Porcelain

What Steps Are Involved in Preparing a Tooth for a Crown?

Preparation:

Preparing a tooth for a crown usually requires two visits to a dentist.

The first visit normally involves examining the damaged tooth and preparing it for the procedure while the second visit involves the placement of the permanent crown.

Treatment:

During the first visit, a dentist will normally take X-rays of the tooth in question and the bone surrounding it. If a tooth has extensive damage, then a root canal is performed before a temporary crown is put in.

At the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and put in the permanent one.

What Problems Can Develop with a Dental Crown?

A crown can cause a lot of problems if it is not properly put or it is not properly taken care of. Normal problems that are associated with dental crowns include:

Extreme discomfort and sensitivity to hot and cold.
If a crown is made using porcelain that it can get chipped and may require replacement if the damage is extensive.
Sometimes the cement washes out from under the crown. This can be a serious problem as it not only loosens your crown but it also allows bacteria to get in and decay or damage your tooth even more.

Is it Required to Take Care of the Crown After it’s Fixed?

The simplest answer is yes. You need to take care of the crown after it is fixed over the previous root or implant. It will behave like the crown of natural teeth and without any proper care and cleaning, it will get damaged. Misplacement and cracks in the crown are common things that will happen if you don’t take care of them.

What is Involved in Aftercare of Getting a Crown?

Once the crown is fixed on the implant, you need to take proper care of it. The following are some of the common yet effective aftercare tips that you must follow to avoid any risk to your crown.

First of all, you need to clean it properly along with other teeth. Brushing and flossing are the top ways to maintain a daily hygienic routine and take care of newly installed dental crowns.
Though it is not necessary, certain dentists suggest avoiding hard and chewy foods for a day or two after getting a new crown. So, you must try to eat soft, juicy, and nutrient-rich foods.
Never ever tried to lift the crown from the root or dental implant. It may cause some cracks in it and will lead to the invasion of bacteria on the inside of your teeth. As a result, you will get severe gums and teeth problems.

Is the Dental Crown Fixing Process Painful?

The process is painless completely. Dentists will numb your mouth at the time of fixing the crown. So, you will not feel anything. Furthermore, you will also not get any pain or discomfort during the trimming of the newly placed crown. Dentists also offer sedation dentistry to ensure that you feel completely safe and comfortable throughout the treatment.

How Long Will it Take to Recover After Fixing the New Crown?

It does not require anytime after the completion of the treatment. Placement of crowns over teeth roots or implants is a nonsurgical process. So you will be recovered as soon as the placement is done. You just have to avoid eating anything after 30 minutes of the treatment.

How Long Does a Crown Last?

Porcelain crowns can last up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance and it is not uncommon for them to last for 20+ years.

The lifespan of a dental crown is normally dependent on factors like the amount of wear and tear the crown is exposed to and the hygiene practices that you follow to take care of it.

To get a treatment from your dentist in Seattle, you can always contact us!

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