Imperfect or decayed teeth affect your appearance and confidence. When you have a bad cavity or want to correct the shape of a tooth, a crown can be a helpful treatment option. At Alpine Dental in Monroe, Washington, the expert team of dentists can place a crown on your tooth to restore its look and functionality. For a full dental evaluation, book an appointment now.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap, designed to restore the size, shape, and strength of a decayed or broken tooth. Permanent crowns are cemented in place, above the gum line, covering the remaining part of the tooth.
Your dentist can use crowns as a treatment for several reasons, including:
Dentists also frequently use crowns in pediatric dentistry to safeguard decayed teeth that can’t retain a filling. Children at high risk for tooth decay due to soft teeth or poor oral hygiene also benefit from crowns, which protect their teeth.
Crowns are made from a variety of durable materials including:
You often get temporary crowns until the dental lab can make a permanent crown.
If your dentist determines your tooth can support a crown, they put in a temporary crown. They then clean and file down the affected tooth for the crown and take an impression of the tooth to create a permanent crown.
If the tooth is severely decayed, your dentist may need to fill the cavity before placing the crown. They may use local anesthesia.
When the permanent crown is ready, you return to the office for placement. Your dentist removes the temporary one and places the new crown over the tooth with a special, long-lasting adhesive.
Depending on the material and your oral hygiene, dental crowns can last for many years. Routine checkups also help crowns last longer.
Crowns may come loose or fall out over time, but your dentist can reattach them. It’s essential to continue flossing and brushing your teeth daily; this helps you maintain healthy teeth and prevent crowns from detaching. Avoiding hard or chewy foods also extends the crown’s life.
To repair a damaged or imperfect tooth, book your appointment with Alpine Dental today.
