What Happens When You Get a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are among the most common dental treatments out there. Teeth are generally designed to last your entire life, but they are susceptible to breakage and decay. Plenty of Easton, PA dentists see dental crowns as a suitable treatment. A crown is a tooth-shaped prosthetic or ‘cap’ specifically designed to fit over a broken, cracked, or damaged tooth. It’s designed to help restore its shape, strength, overall appearance, and chewing or biting function. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal, ceramic, zirconia, composite resin, or a combination of materials. Most crowns are either all-porcelain, porcelain fused with metal or all metal.
Usually, your College Hill Dental Group dentist will recommend dental crowns in Easton, PA to:
- Stabilize sections of a cracked tooth.
- Cover and protect a tooth weakened through decay.
- Repair a broken tooth.
- Cover and strengthen a tooth with a large filling and very little tooth structure remaining.
- Reinforce a tooth that has had a root canal.
- Encase a dental implant.
- Repair misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
- Repair a tooth that has been severely worn down.
- To anchor a dental bridge in place.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dr. Chris Green, a cosmetic dentist in Parker, CO, explains that dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials:
- Ceramic – Made with a porcelain-based material, they are popular due to their close resemblance to natural teeth in color. They are usually used for restoring front teeth as they blend in easily.
- Base metal alloys – Usually made from non-noble metals that are highly resistant to corrosion, resulting in a stronger, long-lasting crown compared to those made from ceramic.
- Porcelain fused to metal – Are made from porcelain layered over metal, and they are stronger and more durable than regular ceramic crowns.
- Gold alloys – Are made from a mix of gold, copper, and other materials. They provide a strong bond in the mouth, don’t fracture, and don’t wear away the tooth they are covering.
Porcelain-metal and gold and metal alloy crowns are the most durable compared to all-porcelain crowns. However, porcelain crowns are highly resistant to wear but can irritate opposing teeth if the adjacent surface becomes too rough. On the other hand, gold and metal crowns are both resistant to wear and tear and gentle on the opposing teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, you may have a condition called bruxism, and it could wear down your teeth, both natural and artificial. Contact an Easton, PA dentists at the College Hill Dental Group for a consultation.
Same-Day Crowns in Easton, PA
Traditional dental crowns tend to require at least two visits to the dentist, and it will be a couple of weeks before your crown is in place. However, College Hill Dental Group offers same-day crowns to patients in Easton, PA.
Thanks to advanced technology, you can now get same-day crowns in Easton, PA. Your dentist at College Hill Dental Group will create a 3D image of the damaged tooth. Using methods such as computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) will fabricate the crown on-site. The entire process usually takes two to four hours, and you will leave with your permanent crown in place. However, not every dentist has the technology required to make same-day crowns in Easton, PA, so make sure you ask your dentist if this option is available.
Taking Care of Your Dental Crown
A dental crown can last from ten to fifteen years, but that depends on how well you take care of it. The best cosmetic dentists in Easton, PA recommend:
- Careful brushing. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and make sure you do it gently. Consider using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if the crown or your teeth are feeling sensitive to temperature.
- Floss daily, and make sure you go easy on your gums.
- Avoid chewing hard foods as they may cause your crown to crack, especially if you have porcelain crowns.
- If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your Easton, PA dentist. He may recommend a nightguard to protect your crown and the surrounding teeth.
Dental crowns are a relatively quick and painless way to restore the functionality and aesthetic of your smile. If you prefer convenience and speed, we recommend same-day crowns in Easton, PA. Whatever your dental needs are, our team is always happy to help. Contact College Hill Dental Group today for a consultation.