Your teeth may break down over time. This might happen for a number of causes, such as tooth decay, injuries, or simply due to usage. Teeth can shrink or lose their form and size.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that are positioned over your natural teeth or a dental implant. Consider it a comfortable hat for your tooth in terms of appearance. The crown restores the original form, size, strength, and look of the tooth.
A dental crown is bonded to your tooth and conceals the visible section of your tooth from the gums up. We’ll go through all of the details and advantages of getting a dental crown in our El Paso, TX dental office in this post.
The Dental Crown Procedure
When a crown is placed over a natural tooth, it generally takes two dental visits to complete the process. There are several steps required for this treatment:
- Your dentist removes the outer portion of your tooth, including any decay, in order for the crown to fit. Your dentist may add additional tooth structure to support the crown if required.
- To form an exact replica of your tooth, an impression is taken. A mold or a digital scan may be used to create the impression.
- A temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being made. The creation of a permanent crown generally takes less than two weeks. The tooth might be sensitive to hot and cold while you wear a temporary crown.
- Avoid chewing gum and eating sticky foods during the time between your first and second dental visits.
- When the final crown is ready, on your second visit, our dentist will place it in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments. The crown is then cemented into place when you and our dentist are satisfied with how it looks and feels.
Do I Need a Dental Crown?
If you have a large cavity that’s become too big for a dental filling, it may be time to consider a dental crown. The following are also reasons that you might need a dental crown:
- severely worn down
- cracked
- weakened
Crowns are also advised after a root canal on a tooth since the tooth is more fragile and needs to be protected. If you have a missing tooth and the dentist needs to put in a dental bridge or an implant, you may be a candidate for a crown.
Save a Severely Damaged Tooth
Over time, regular tooth decay can lead to loss of enamel, which is a major cause of tooth sensitivity and pain. Teeth may also be affected by trauma or stress. A broken or weakened tooth may necessitate the removal of the tooth or the application of a dental crown to preserve it.
If our dentist decides to save your rotten tooth, the tooth will be cleaned and filed in order to prepare for the crown. After the dentist places the crown on top of the tooth, it hardens and restores its strength, making it as strong as a healthy one. A patient’s ability to use his or her teeth is restored in the end.
Prevent Tooth Extraction
Pulpitis is an inflammation of the tooth pulp. Irreversible pulpitis is a persistent condition. The inner tooth decays as a consequence of this.
The diseased pulp is removed through a root canal by our dentist to treat irreversible pulpitis. Following the root canal, the dentist may bring the tooth back in one of two ways.
The first technique is to fill the tooth with a filling. The second, superior approach is to cover the tooth after filling the hole with a crown. A crown is required to keep a dead tooth from shattering into small fragments.
How Long Will a Dental Crown Last?
Crowns are more robust and long-lasting than fillings, inlays, and onlays. Crowns are the most durable and resilient option over other cosmetic treatments. They outperform even dental bonding and veneers in terms of durability.
The implant screw may survive a lifetime if brushed and flossed on a regular basis. However, if the patient does not visit the dentist on a regular basis, the crown may only last 10 to 15 years before it requires replacement due to wear and tear. Although no one truly knows how long a crown may last, it’s possible that utilizing good dental hygiene carefully is enough to double or even extend the life of your crown over 15 years.
Schedule a Dental Crown Consultation Today!
Our dentist will discuss the various options and help you to figure out what best meets your needs. Call us today at (915) 213-5480 or click the button below to create an appointment using our easy scheduling options.