A dental crown is an oral prosthetic used to protect a tooth or restore its appearance. Also called a cap, it fully encloses the part of the tooth visible above the gums. It protects the tooth from saliva, bacteria and debris in the mouth.
Dental crowns are one of the most common oral prosthetics, and their many uses include:
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials. Porcelain and ceramic are most often used, but crowns can also be made from gold, silver, composites and metal alloys. It typically comes down to what the patient prefers.
When getting a crown, the dentist will usually remove a small portion of enamel to ensure the cap fits snugly. Once installed, crowns do not require specialized maintenance. With good oral hygiene, crowns can last for up to 25 years.
When a patient fails to practice good oral hygiene after getting a dental drown, plaque and tartar can accumulate where the crown meets the tooth. While the crown itself will not be affected by the acids created by the bacteria in plaque, the inner part of the patient's tooth is still prone to decay.
The best way to prevent this is by practicing good oral hygiene. Also, patients should head to the dentist if they notice signs of decay.
Some people experience increased sensitivity the first few days after getting a crown installed. This is usually due to the fact that the dentin is exposed when enamel is removed for the crown. The dentist will deal with this sensitivity by applying a solution to the exposed dentin to reduce sensitivity.
Eating certain foods and decay can lead to a crown becoming loose. When this happens, patients should head to the dentist's clinic. A loose crown means the enclosed tooth is no longer being protected from irritants in the mouth. Dental cement can be used to reattach a loose crown.
While crowns are extremely durable, they are not as tough as real teeth. Patients should keep that in mind when chewing and avoid hard foods that can damage the crown. If the crown ends up becoming chipped, composite resin can be used to restore its appearance. If it is badly damaged, the patient might need to get a replacement.
The nerve in the pulp chamber of a tooth can easily become irritated when a crown is being installed. This often leads to discomfort and sometimes, severe pain. At times, it can take months for the symptoms to show up.
The best way to deal with this issue is to have the nerve removed with a root canal and get a new crown.
Contact one of our dentists to learn more about dealing with crown issues.
Request an appointment here: https://gkdentaloffice.com or call GK Dental PC at (617) 826-6075 for an appointment in our Everett office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Dental implants are small, titanium screws placed into the jawbone where a tooth was removed. The implant fuses with the jawbone over time and supports a crown, bridge, or denture. This article will review six warning signs that it is time to inquire about dental implants.Many people (adults) postpone receiving treatment after losing a tooth…
Many people look to cosmetic dental services when they want a whiter smile. Though teeth whitening from a dentist is an excellent choice for many patients, some patients get better results with other options such as dental veneers, dental bonding, or a combination of treatments. If you are considering teeth whitening and want to know…
If you have small defects in your front teeth, dental bonding is a great choice to consider. It is less costly than porcelain veneers and can be a cost-effective alternative for problems such as stained or chipped teeth. Furthermore, bonded teeth do not necessitate any special aftercare. The material used adheres to the teeth well.…
Dental implants are artificial roots that a dentist surgically places into the jawbone. The prosthetic tooth is then attached to the implant and acts like a real tooth, replacing missing teeth or repairing broken ones. This guide will review the three different types of dental implants available today.Endosteal implants contain titanium that dentists place into…
Dental implants are small, titanium screws placed into the jawbone where a tooth was removed.…
Many people look to cosmetic dental services when they want a whiter smile. Though teeth…
If you have small defects in your front teeth, dental bonding is a great choice…
Dental implants are artificial roots that a dentist surgically places into the jawbone. The prosthetic…
Wondering what cosmetic dental services are available these days? Read on to explore some procedures…
Partial dentures require good aftercare through proper oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits to…