Our teeth are exposed to serious wear and tear over the years. It goes hand-in-hand with chewing, drinking, talking, and all the other things we do with our mouths.
It happens to most of us. On top of the bacteria that thrive inside the mouth, wear-and-tear causes the enamel to become discolored and worn away. Good oral hygiene can minimize the problem, and regular visits to the dentist help you avoid more serious issues.
Still, a crown might be necessary if your teeth are harmed due to tooth decay, injuries, or other factors. A dental crown looks like a tooth, and it slides on over the troubled tooth to cover it up, which protects it from further damage.
If your dentist mentioned a crown might be in your near future, read on to learn more about what’s in store. Spoiler alert: It’s not nearly as bad as you’re probably thinking!
- What’s a Dental Crown Used For?
Did you know that the part of the tooth that’s visible is actually called a crown? That makes it easier to understand what a dental crown is and what its job is supposed to be.
These dental marvels look and act like your natural tooth, sliding over it like a sleeve. The dentist uses food-grade cement to bond the crown in place, covering the damaged tooth.
Artificial crowns are necessary when your tooth is weakened from decay or cracks. Instead of leaving the tooth exposed to more harm, the crown covers it to protect it and avoid root canals or an extraction.
Crowns are also used when a tooth is broken or worn down, when you’ve already had a large filling and still need more work, or when you need a dental bridge but don’t have enough of a tooth left to hold the appliance in place.
Occasionally, crowns are also used cosmetically to cover a tooth that doesn’t look like the rest because it’s a different shape or discolored.
Now that you know what it does, let’s look at how your crown is made and placed.
- What Types of Dental Crowns Are There?
Crowns are typically made from resin or porcelain, although other varieties use metal, gold, and alloys.
Your dentist will suggest crowns based on your situation. For instance, if you’re on a tight budget, resin crowns are less expensive but don’t last as long.
On the other hand, if you’re a bruxer (you grind your teeth in your sleep), you’ll likely do better with metal crowns because they’ll hold up to your grinding better. However, as this article from JS Dental Lab explains, wearing a night guard can help your crown — and the rest of your teeth — last longer.
- How is a Crown Placed?
A trip to the dentist for a normal crown is broken into two visits. During the first one, your damaged tooth is checked out with an x-ray and an exam. If tooth decay, infection, or pulp injury occurs, you might need a root canal before the crown is placed.
What to Expect at the First Crown Appointment
At this first visit, the dentist will file down the tooth’s sides and top to make room for the crown. If there isn’t enough tooth remaining to hold the crown, the dentist may use a filling material to replace the missing enamel.
Next, an impression of the problem tooth and the surrounding teeth is made. The dentist will ensure all the teeth that connect with your bite are included, so the crown fits naturally when you chew and talk. You’ll have a temporary crown covering your tooth to protect it while you wait for the permanent one to get created.
The impressions go to a dental lab, where they’re made. This usually takes two or three weeks. Then, when they’re ready, you’ll go in for your second visit.
Getting Ready for Your Second Crown Appointment
The second trip is when the permanent crown is fitted and cemented to your tooth. You’ll likely need a local anesthetic to numb the area while the dentist works. Once the crown is placed, you’ll be able to go about your day as usual, aside from the numbness.
When you and the dentist agree that the crown fits smoothly and your bite isn’t disturbed, they’ll cement it in place. You’ll feel a little strange for a few days as you get used to the new “tooth,” but it will blend in with the rest of your smile.
Soon, you’ll forget it’s there!
Conclusion
The preferred goal for most of us is to keep our natural teeth healthy, but that’s not always possible. If you need a crown, it’s a great way to save your tooth and prevent further damage. Armed with this info, you’ll know what to expect when you go for your crown prep appointment and avoid the fear that often comes with an unknown tooth procedure.
