Do Dental Crowns Require Special Care?

A crown is a dental restoration that thoroughly covers the part of the tooth above the gum line. Dental crowns are placed on teeth to repair, strengthen and improve their appearance. There are various types of dental crowns in Anchorage, AK. They include porcelain, metal, ceramic, or a combination of metal and porcelain. Read on to learn whether crowns require special care.

Getting a Crown on a Tooth

Getting dental crowns in Anchorage, AK, is fast, straightforward, and pain-free. First, your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, and oral health condition. This helps determine the suitability of dental crowns. Once they ascertain that the tooth-like caps will benefit you, they begin the process. Below are some of the general steps you can expect.

1. The dentist will begin by numbing your tooth up to ensure you do not feel any pain throughout the process. They will administer an anesthetic to the tooth to be treated and the surrounding gum tissue. The dentist will use sedation if you have dental anxiety or need several teeth treated. The sedative helps you relax throughout the procedure.
2. Next, the dental expert will prepare your tooth for the crown by shaping it. They remove a certain amount of the tooth structure and the chewing surface from all sides. The amount of tooth structure trimmed away depends on the type of crown used. For example, to place porcelain crowns, they remove a more significant part of the tooth than metal crowns. The dentist will also ensure the tooth has a tapered shape. It enables better crown retention and stability.
3. The dentist will remove tooth decay and unsound pieces of the tooth structure. If you have loose filling materials, they will also be removed.
4. Once the tooth is appropriately shaped, the dentist will make a copy of it to enable crown creation. They may follow the conventional method of using a putty-like compound to take the impression. Alternatively, the dentist may take optical impressions. They will use a small wand-like digital camera called an intraoral scanner.
5. Next, the dentist will send the impressions or images to the dental laboratory. The experts at the lab will use the mold or the digital prints to design and fabricate a dental crown.
6. If they use the traditional method of placing crowns, you will have to wait two weeks for your new crown. Therefore, the dentist will set a temporary crown on the tooth to protect and help it function. However, if your dentist uses CAD/CAM technology, you will skip this step. It allows the immediate fabrication of the permanent crown.
7. Once the permanent tooth crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary one. Next, they will evaluate the fit and appearance of the new crown and then fix it on the tooth.

Getting a Crown on a Tooth

Taking good care of your crowned teeth after a dental crown procedure is essential. Doing so extends its lifespan and prevents further tooth damage. Fortunately, dental crowns are similar to natural teeth and do not require extensive maintenance. Flossing and brushing your new restorations will prevent them from staining.

However, you must change your diet slightly to prevent dislodging or chipping the crowns. For example, you should avoid sticky foods and bite at complex objects like ice cubes, nuts, or pens. In addition, do not open packages or bottles with your crowned teeth, as they may chip.

Although crowns do not require special maintenance, your tooth under the crown does. The slightly exposed part of the tooth under the crown is prone to decay. Therefore, you should maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent tooth deterioration.

When brushing your teeth, focus on this area to reduce the presence of decay-causing acids. However, do not brush hard, as you may dislodge the crown. Consult the dentist on the proper method to floss and brush in the vicinity of the restoration.

In addition, attend regular dental exams and cleanings after getting a crown. The dentist will remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar beneath the crown to prevent further decay. They will also ensure the crown is in perfect condition and functions as required.

Are you considering improving your smile with dental crowns? Then contact us at Anchorage Dental Arts for affordable dental crowns.