What to Know About Dental Crowns
Many times, when patients are experiencing dental issues or have not visited the dentist in several years, they assume the worst and immediately think their tooth will need to be extracted. Or, thanks to movies and television, the term root canal is often used when thinking of having a dental procedure. However, when patients are experiencing an issue with their oral health, there is another wonderful option that can restore the function of your bite and smile — a dental crown.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a customized, tooth-colored cap that is permanently placed over a damaged tooth that still has the tooth root intact. It can also be used to finish a restorative treatment, such as a dental implant. A dental crown can be used not only to restore the function and strength of a tooth, but it can also fix the size and shape. Dental implants blend in beautifully with the surrounding natural teeth and function in the same way as well. Dental crowns may be recommended for a number of reasons, such as:
- Damage or decay cannot be repaired by a filling
- A filling is too large and no longer adequately supports the tooth structure
- The tooth is cracked, chipped, or worn down
- The shape of a tooth needs to be changed
- A dental implant or bridge needs to be completed
What to Note About Treatment
It is important to note that a dental crown cannot be completed in one office visit. Typically, the procedure is completed in two visits; however, there are patients who may need an additional appointment. During the first visit, the damage on the tooth is removed and a temporary crown is placed. It is important to follow the directions after your procedure. We recommend avoiding chewy and tough foods and suggest chewing on the opposite side so as not to loosen the temporary crown. On the second visit, the permanent crown is placed, and we ensure that you have the proper fit.
If we recommended a dental crown during your last visit, we encourage you to call our office located in Terre Haute, IN to schedule an appointment. Delaying a needed treatment can result in more extensive treatments and additional costs. We want to help you get the treatment you need to restore your smile to enjoy for the new year.
