In the realm of restorative dentistry, dental crowns stand out as a testament to how dental technology can restore both function and aesthetics to damaged teeth. At Pacific Dental, we understand the crucial role that dental crowns play in dental health, cosmetic improvement, and overall well-being. Let’s explore the full scope of dental crowns, their importance, and how they can transform your dental experience.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-fitted covering or “cap” placed over a tooth that is decayed, damaged, or cracked. Crowns are designed to strengthen the tooth, restoring it to its original size and shape, improving its appearance, and safeguarding it against future damage.
When Are Dental Crowns Necessary?
Dental crowns are recommended for a variety of situations:
- To Protect Weak Teeth: Teeth weakened by decay or large fillings are susceptible to fracture. Crowns provide the necessary support to keep these teeth functional.
- To Restore Broken Teeth: A crown can restore a tooth that is already broken or severely worn down.
- To Cover Dental Implants: Crowns act as the visible part of dental implants, filling the gap left by a missing tooth.
- To Anchor a Dental Bridge: Crowns are used as anchors on adjacent teeth to hold a bridge in place.
- For Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, enhancing the smile’s appearance.
- Post Root Canal Therapy: After root canal treatment, crowns provide reinforcement against the increased risk of fracture.
Types of Dental Crowns
At Pacific Dental, we offer a variety of crown materials to cater to different needs and preferences:
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: Popular for their natural color match, making them ideal for front teeth.
- Gold and Metal Alloys: Known for their durability and strength, suitable for back teeth where the forces of chewing are greatest.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM): A hybrid option that offers the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain.
- Zirconia: Combining the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, zirconia crowns are becoming a favored choice.
- Stainless Steel: Generally used as a temporary measure on permanent teeth or as a standard material for children’s crowns.
The Dental Crown Procedure at Pacific Dental
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two visits:
- First Visit – Examination and Preparation:
- Consultation: Our dental professionals will assess the extent of tooth damage and the suitability for a crown.
- Tooth Preparation: The affected tooth is reshaped to make space for the crown.
- Impressions: We take impressions of the tooth to create a custom crown.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is fitted to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is made.
- Second Visit – Crown Placement:
- Fitting the Permanent Crown: The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is adjusted and cemented into place.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Proper care can extend the life of your crown significantly:
- Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash helps prevent decay and gum disease.
- Regular Check-ups: Routine visits to Pacific Dental are essential for maintaining crown integrity and overall oral health.
- Avoiding Hard Foods: To prevent damage, it’s wise to avoid chewing hard foods or objects with your crowned tooth.
- Night Guards: For patients who grind their teeth, we recommend wearing a night guard to protect the crown.
The Benefits of Choosing Pacific Dental for Your Dental Crowns
At Pacific Dental, we pride ourselves on the following:
- Expertise: Our dentists are experienced in crown placement, ensuring each procedure is carried out with precision and care.
- Technology: We use state-of-the-art technology for tooth impressions and crown fabrication, ensuring a perfect fit and natural look.
- Material Quality: We source high-quality materials for our crowns to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Patient Comfort: We prioritize your comfort, offering sedation options for anxious patients and ensuring pain-free procedures.
Dental Crowns and Overall Health
Beyond just restoring individual teeth, dental crowns contribute to overall oral health. They support dental hygiene, improve bite function, and can prevent various complications associated with damaged teeth. With a full complement of healthy teeth, patients can enjoy a broader range of foods, contributing to better nutrition and overall health.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are a cornerstone of restorative dentistry, offering a second chance for damaged teeth to function correctly and look beautiful. At Pacific Dental, we are committed to providing our patients with high-quality crowns that restore smiles and confidence. Whether you need a crown for restorative or cosmetic reasons, our team is here to ensure your treatment is successful and your experience is positive.