CROWNS
Dental crowns are a versatile type of dental restoration that can correct numerous issues at once. They are also an area of specialty for the team at Belgrade Family Dental in Belgrade, Montana. If you’d like more information about whether dental crowns are right for you or want to learn more about the process of getting a crown, call the office today to set up a visit or schedule using the easy online booking tool.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are a popular type of dental restoration that can also improve the appearance of your smile. They offer the ability to correct more than one issue with the same treatment, enabling a great return on your dental health investment.
Some of the uses for a dental crown include:
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Protecting a cracked or chipped tooth
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Correcting severe discoloration
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Providing structural support for a weakened or worn down tooth
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Correcting issues with the size or shape of a tooth
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Completing a root canal restoration
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Serving as the “anchors” for a dental bridge
Crowns are most often placed on your permanent teeth, but some children can benefit from a dental crown to protect against decay or to save a tooth that can’t support a filling.
What is the process for getting a dental crown?
If you and your dentist decide that a crown is right for you, the first step involves determining the exact size and shape of the tooth that will receive the crown. That can be done using X-ray imaging or with impressions.
Next, your dentist removes a portion of your natural tooth tissue to make room for the crown. Impressions are made to ensure your custom crown is a perfect fit. You’ll receive a numbing injection to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the process.
A temporary crown is put in place to protect your tooth until the permanent crown arrives — a process that can take a few weeks. Once your new crown is ready, you’ll return to have it cemented into place, which completes the restoration. Belgrade Family Dental offers top quality crowns that are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
What is the best way to care for my dental crown?
Once in place, your new crown will look and function much like your natural teeth. The best way to care for a crown is to implement and sustain a great oral hygiene routine.
While your crown is not at risk for decay, brushing and flossing is still essential to reduce the amount of plaque and harmful bacteria in your mouth. Your gum tissue adheres to the base of your crown, so a solid brushing routine helps that soft tissue remain healthy.
As with natural teeth, you can protect your crown by avoiding biting down on hard foods or non-food items. If you grind your teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism, a night guard can protect your teeth and crown from wear.
As always, scheduling regular professional dental exams is the key to a healthy smile. If you’d like more information about dental crowns, call the office to check appointment availability or schedule using the easy online booking tool.