Living with a broken, cracked, or missing tooth? You may have considered a dental crown, however, you’re not sure that a dental crown is the best option for your needs. Columbia Smiles is here to explain how dental crowns work, their benefits, and whether or not it’s a suitable option for you. Call us today to make an appointment.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is essentially a cap for your tooth. The purpose of a dental crown is to provide your tooth support and structure, allowing the damaged tooth full functionality. A custom-shaped crown is formed to mimic your existing tooth using various materials. These materials include:
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Composite-resin
- Zirconia
- Metal
Your dentist will work with you to select the optimal dental crown material for your needs. He or she will take into consideration different factors when deciding what type of material is best to use. Among what they consider includes the location of the tooth, the function of the tooth that needs the crown, the health, and color of the teeth nearby.
Who Needs a Dental Crown?
While dental crowns serve an important purpose, it can be difficult to know if you are in need of one. A dental crown helps restore a tooth’s appearance or function. If you need to correct any of the following dental issues, your dentist may suggest a dental crown:
- Restore a broken tooth
- Provide support or protection for a weak tooth
- Cover over a large filling
- Cover a severely worn down tooth
- Provide cover for a severely discolored tooth
- Create security for a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
Make an appointment with your dentist to learn more.
What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?
A traditional dental crown procedure will take more than one visit to complete. During the process, your dentist will examine your tooth and prepare it for the procedure. The preparation involves taking an X-ray to understand the extent of the problem. Your dentist will file down parts of the tooth, after which he or she will make an impression (a model of your teeth). This impression will aid in the manufacturing of the crown.
Your dentist will send the impression to a lab, which will in turn create the dental crown. This process can take anywhere from several days to a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, while you wait for the lab to create a dental crown to match your tooth, your dentist will put a temporary crown over your tooth. This will ensure that it stays protected from damage.
Finally, when the crown is completed, you’ll go back in for another visit, and your dentist will install the new crown.
Dental Crowns at Columbia Smiles
If it’s been recommended that you need a dental crown, don’t wait until something severe happens to the compromised tooth. You can trust Columbia Smiles to handle your dental needs with skill and experience. As part of the Howard County community for over 35 years, you know you’re in the hands of professionals, trusted by your friends and neighbors. With our many years of experience, we understand our patient’s concerns. You will feel at ease as we walk you through the dental crown process.
Contact Columbia Smiles Today
We understand and want to help our patients with an array of dental services, including:
- Dental implants
- Crowns and bridges
- Dental veneers
- Root canal procedures
- Teeth whitening services
- Tooth extraction procedures
- Cosmetic dentistry services
If you have a damaged tooth, don’t put off getting a dental crown. Reach out to Columbia Smiles at 410.690.4855, or contact us online and we’ll schedule a dental crown consultation right away.
