What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is essentially like a helmet that we place over a tooth to help protect it. When a tooth needs a crown, we modify the shape of the tooth and then place the crown over it to help protect the remaining tooth structure from breaking, wearing down, or becoming further damaged. Once in place, the crown is designed to look and function much like your natural tooth.
Why might you need a dental crown?
There are several reasons why you might need a dental crown. If a tooth is broken and a significant amount of the tooth structure is missing, a crown can help restore and protect it. We may also recommend a crown if a tooth is cracked and causing pain when you chew or after a tooth has had root canal treatment and needs additional protection. At Affinity Smiles, we'll evaluate the tooth and explain why a crown may be recommended for your specific situation.
What's involved in getting a dental crown?
When you come in for a crown, the first thing we do is make sure you're numb and comfortable. We then modify the shape of the tooth so the crown can fit securely over it. The finished crown fits over the prepared tooth and is designed to look and feel much like your natural tooth while helping protect the tooth underneath.
What materials are dental crowns made from?
There are quite a few materials available for dental crowns, and that's one of the great things about dentistry—we can choose an option based on the individual tooth and the patient's needs. Crowns are commonly made from tooth-colored materials, but they can also be made from gold or a combination of metal and tooth-colored material. We'll talk through the available options with you and recommend a material based on factors such as the location of the tooth, how you use it, and what will work well for your specific case.
How long can I expect a dental crown to last?
How long a dental crown lasts depends on several factors. On our end, we want to make sure the crown fits and seals properly, is easy for you to clean around, and feels comfortable when you bite. At home, brushing, flossing, and keeping the area around the crown free of plaque are important for maintaining the health of the tooth underneath it.
With good care, dental crowns can last for many years. Their lifespan can vary because every mouth is unique, and factors such as your bite, chewing forces, oral hygiene, and how the crown is used can all affect how it holds up over time.
Why not just do a filling?
This is a really common question, especially if you've had fillings before. When we recommend a crown instead of a filling, it's usually because the tooth needs more protection than a filling can provide. For example, a tooth with a significant crack or a very large existing filling may be at greater risk of fracturing when you chew.
Remember that a crown works a little like a helmet for your tooth. Because it fits over the tooth, it can help hold the remaining tooth structure together and distribute the forces placed on it when you bite and chew. A filling repairs a specific area of the tooth, while a crown may be recommended when more of the tooth needs to be protected.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Restores Tooth Strength: Crowns reinforce damaged teeth, allowing you to bite and chew without discomfort or fear of further damage.
- Natural-Looking Appearance: Modern materials like ceramic and porcelain make crowns blend beautifully with your natural smile.
- Long-Lasting Protection: With proper care, dental crowns can last 10–15 years, offering durable and reliable results.
What can I expect during the dental crown procedure?
When you come to Affinity Smiles for your crown, our first priority is making sure you're numb and comfortable. We'll prepare the tooth and take an impression using a silicone putty material so your crown can be made to fit your tooth. You'll also receive a temporary crown to protect the tooth while your final restoration is being created.
You'll typically return about two to three weeks later for your second visit. At that appointment, we'll remove the temporary crown and try in the custom crown made by the dental lab. We'll carefully check the fit and seal, make sure your bite feels right, and confirm that you can properly floss around the tooth. Once we're happy with the fit, we'll cement the crown into place. If something doesn't fit the way we want it to, we'll have the crown adjusted or remade before permanently placing it
Before & After Transformation
Carole came to us with broken teeth from years of grinding damage. We were able to add crowns on all her damaged teeth and make them look brand new!
Will I be in pain after getting a crown?
It's completely understandable to wonder whether you'll have pain or discomfort after getting a crown. Our goal is always to do the least amount of treatment necessary to keep your tooth healthy for as long as possible. Preparing a tooth for a crown does require us to modify its shape, so some temporary sensitivity or discomfort can occur afterward.
Your dental team at Affinity Smiles will talk with you about what you may experience after treatment, including what is expected to be temporary and when something may need another look. If you have discomfort that doesn't improve or something doesn't feel right, we want you to let us know so we can evaluate the tooth and help keep you comfortable throughout the process.
Are dental crowns necessary after root canal treatment?
Dental crowns are commonly recommended after root canal treatment because the tooth may need additional protection afterward. Root canal treatment involves treating the inside of the tooth, and the condition that led to the root canal, along with the treatment itself, can leave less natural tooth structure remaining. A crown can help protect and hold the tooth together so you can continue to use it comfortably.
That doesn't mean every tooth that has a root canal automatically needs a crown. There are situations where enough healthy tooth structure remains that we may be able to restore and seal the tooth without one. Your dental team will evaluate the tooth and recommend the most appropriate way to protect it based on your individual situation.
Dental Crowns at Affinity Smiles
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (847) 780-2114 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.
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