Dental Crowns — Friendswood, TX
Restore Damaged Teeth for Flawless Smiles
A dental crown is a method dentists have been using for decades to address a variety of problems. Most often, it is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged due to extensive decay or injury. It can also be used to reshape a tooth to prevent the buildup of food on it, protecting it from tooth decay. Plus, it can be essential to helping your teeth fit together properly if they do not already. Due to their versatility, dental crowns in Friendswood, TX are often the answer to, “How can my dentist near me help?”
What Is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a type of restoration that simply fits over the top of your natural tooth, like a cap. Basically, it can give you a brand new tooth. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials including metal, porcelain, or a combination of the two.
Crowns can be used to restore each one of your teeth, and this will determine which material should be used. The front teeth, which are seen when you smile, would probably be served best by porcelain crowns, because they are the most aesthetically similar to your natural teeth. In fact, they can be specially shaded to match the rest of your smile. The back teeth need to be strong, so a metal crown would be recommended more often. It all depends on the needs of your teeth, as well as your personal preferences.
What Is The Procedure Like?
The first step to getting a crown is to make an appointment with Friendswood Dental Group. Dr. Sierra will examine your teeth and see if a dental crown is the right solution for your smile. If it is, the procedure involves 3 basic steps:
- One of the doctors will prepare your tooth’s enamel so it can properly fit the crown
- They will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a local dental lab to fabricate your crown
- The final visit is when your crown will be placed onto your tooth
The entire procedure can usually be completed over the course of two easy visits. While your crown is being made, you will wear a temporary one. Once your tooth has been fully restored, it may feel slightly more sensitive for a week or so, but you will be able to trust it just like a natural tooth.
Dental crowns can last for decades with routine oral hygiene, so be sure to brush and floss consistently. Dental crowns most often fail because the remaining natural tooth starts to decay, so it’s paramount that you keep up your normal oral hygiene regimen. Another way to insure that they last for a long time is to have regular check-ups at Friendswood Dental.
Any Questions?
If you would like to know more about dental crowns and how they can bring your smile back, please give us a call today. Don’t go through your life feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious because you need to get a tooth repaired. We trust dental crowns can help your smile no matter what condition your teeth are in, so don’t hesitate to come see us.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
While dental crowns cannot be called permanent, they are a long-term solution that can protect your teeth from infection and injury for five to fifteen years if they receive excellent care. However, the process of placing a crown is irreversible since it involves the removal of a small amount of enamel that will not grow back, so teeth that receive these restorations will need to wear them for life to stay healthy. However, crowns serve to protect compromised teeth from damage and can allow them to work well for much longer than they would otherwise. You can keep your restoration in great condition by practicing excellent oral hygiene, limiting your intake of sugar and acid, keeping up with regular dental appointments at Friendswood Dental Group, and wearing a protective appliance such as a mouthguard or nightguard when necessary. We can provide you with a customized mouthguard or nightguard that delivers superior protection.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Since dental crowns are not made of enamel, they technically cannot get cavities. However, the teeth wearing them can still become infected, and this usually means the restorations must be removed so the decay can be addressed. Dr. Sierra may be able to fix the crown back on the tooth afterward, but it may be necessary to replace the device completely. Crowned teeth are just as likely to develop cavities as uncrowned ones, so it’s crucial to practice excellent oral hygiene after receiving dental restorations to keep them in good shape. It’s also best to visit our office every six months for checkups, make smart eating decisions, and refrain from using your teeth as tools to open packaging.
How Durable Are CEREC Same-Day Crowns?
CEREC same-day crowns are milled down from blocks of high-quality ceramic material, so they are comparably durable to traditional metal-free dental crowns. With excellent care, your restoration may last up to fifteen years before needing replacement, and proper hygiene will also help you keep your crown beautiful and stain-free for as long as possible. However, bad habits like smoking, excessive alcohol use, and using your teeth as tools can lead to early dental crown failure.
Who Is Eligible to Receive a CEREC Same-Day Crown?
CEREC same-day dental crowns are virtually the same thing as traditional metal-free restorations, so almost any patient who qualifies for one will qualify for the other. CEREC crowns can be excellent ways to address cracked enamel, misshapen teeth, severe decay or injuries, or cosmetic issues like stains or discoloration. However, oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay will have to be resolved before they can be placed.
Checkups
Dental
3-on-6™
Cerec® Same-Day
Full Mouth
Invisalign®
Cosmetic
Sedation