If a general dentist recommends a dental crown, there are a variety of reasons why. Crowns can be used for cosmetic corrections as well as for protection and support. These dental restorations may seem intimidating to those who have never had one, but they do not have to be. Here are some questions to ask a dentist so that the experience can go as smoothly as possible.
Most crowns require two visits to install a permanent version. This first visit involves an examination and preparation of the tooth, including X-rays and impression taking. The patient receives a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made, which is then installed at the second visit. There are some important considerations for the patient, especially while waiting for the permanent crown.
Temporary crowns are typically made of acrylic or stainless steel and are not meant to last like permanent ones. They are also not as secure, so patients must pay special attention to the crowned tooth while waiting for the second visit. A general dentist may provide a list of foods to avoid as well as advise ways to lessen the amount of chewing done with the crowned tooth. Some food that can cause problems include caramel and gum.
Permanent crowns do not require any special care beyond basic oral hygiene. There are some things that patients should keep in mind, however. Crowns are not indestructible, especially those made of porcelain. They can suffer from cracks or chips just like a tooth. While minor damage can be repaired, major damage can require replacement.
Crowns can also loosen and allow infection-causing bacteria into the space between the crown and tooth. Sometimes when they loosen, they can slip off. In both cases it is imperative that patients contact a general dentist as soon as possible. Crowns can also be sensitive to hot or cold foods. Patients are encouraged to seek help from the dentist in this case as well.
Traditionally crowns were made of gold and some still are, but these are not as common due to the high price. Dentists today generally use ceramic or porcelain crowns, which provide the closest match to natural teeth. A hybrid porcelain-metal or resin crown may be used where ceramic or porcelain is unsuitable.
Crowns can last as long as 15 years. Patients who bite their fingernails and grind or otherwise wear down teeth can expect a shorter lifespan. Good oral hygiene, which includes using mouthwash and floss, is critical to extending the lifetime of a crown. Barring extreme damage-causing accidents, patients can expect crowns to last a minimum of five years.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist Crowns in Delray Beach, FL
It may seem intimidating to get a dental crown, but receiving one is a common procedure. Patients should feel comfortable asking a general dentist about how to prepare for the appointments and care for their crown.
Request an appointment or call R & R Dentistry PA at 561-330-5188 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.
Our general dentist can help reduce the effects of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Most people who grind their teeth tend to be unaware of their habit because it mainly occurs during sleep. Grinding your teeth occasionally due to being anxious or stressed out typically does not cause noticeable damage to teeth, but doing…
Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing event for many people. The biggest reason for this is that general dentistry appointments are often associated with painful procedures and a perceived loss of control as you lay back and let the dentist and dental assistant perform their duties. It might also be possible that you are…
When a patient has a cavity, a general dentist thoroughly takes out all the decayed area of the tooth and replaces it with a filling in the empty space to prevent future decay. When it comes to the type of filling, there are various options from which the patient may choose. They each have advantages…