subject: Protect Damaged Teeth From Further Impairment With Dental Crowns [print this page] When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged, a dental crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth for protection against further damage. A dental crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth and can be made of porcelain, gold and other materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance.
For teeth that are damaged or significantly decayed, natural-looking, tooth-colored crowns may be an appropriate solution for restoration. Dental crowns can also be used for purely aesthetic reasons - to change the shape or appearance of the teeth. Whatever the solution, your dentist in North End has the experience and knowledge to produce superior results.
Types of Dental Crowns
The three predominant choices of restorative materials for the full coverage crowns include:
*Porcelain fused to metal
*All ceramic (all-porcelain)
*Gold
All-ceramic crowns are the predominant material choice for dental crowns. They provide a metal-free esthetic option with a host of benefits. By eliminating the need for the supportive metal core, an esthetic all-ceramic crown can be created with a reduced thickness of material, which makes them more favorable treatment choices in areas with limited space. Additionally, the elimination of the metal core allows for light transmission through the porcelain for better optical, life-like properties and a higher level of esthetics.
Preparing and Applying the Crown
During your first visit, your dentist may numb the tooth that is to be crowned in order to remove the decay that is in or around the tooth. The tooth is then re-sculpted to provide an easy fit for the dental crown and is a painless procedure performed in the dental chair. An impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where permanent, custom dental crowns are created. While waiting for the fabrication of your dental crown, a temporary crown will be fitted onto the teeth for protection until the permanent crown is completed. At your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary dental crown and fit the permanent dental crown onto your tooth. Your dentist will make sure the crown has the proper look and fit before cementing it into place.
Recovery and Aftercare
After your permanent crown is placed, your North End dentist will provide you with information on how to properly care for your new restoration. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene habits by brushing twice daily and flossing with dental floss or interdental cleaners, once a day. These practices will help to remove plaque from the area where the crown meets the gum, and to help prevent dental decay and gum disease.
Additionally, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects, as this can damage your crown. It is also important to avoid biting your fingernails and grinding your teeth, which could significantly shorten the life-span of your dental crown. If you habitually clench or grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend wearing a night-time mouth guard to help protect your crowns while sleeping.
Contact your dentist in North End Boston if you have a cracked, decayed, or damaged tooth. The use of a dental crown can help to protect your tooth from further damage in the long run.
by: Gen Wright
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