What are Dental Crowns, Their Procedure, Types, Cost & Aftercare Tips?

What are Dental Crowns?

A crown covers the entire tooth, including the biting surface. It can be made of porcelain, gold, or a combination of both materials. A crown is placed to restore its shape and function. It’s often used when there’s damage to one or more adjacent teeth, making it difficult for your permanent bridges (or veneers) to fit properly into your mouth. If you need more than one tooth restored at once, the dental crowns are what you need.

What is the Procedure for Dental Crowns?

The procedure of getting dental crowns is done in a few steps that include:

1) Consultation

Your tooth crown dentist near you will perform a comprehensive assessment to check if the crowns are suitable and which type is ideal.

2) Preparation

Our dentist in Spring, TX 77379 will clean and reshape your teeth to create room for the crowns. This procedure can cause tooth sensitivity, so the dentist will numb the gums to ease the discomfort.

3) Impressions

An impression is a mold of the tooth and surrounding tissue used to make a dental crown. After making the impression, you’ll need to wait until your dentist has finished preparing it for crowning before returning for your new prosthetic tooth placement.

4) A Temporary Crown

Our crown dentist in Spring, TX, 77379, will use a temporary crown to protect the reshaped teeth. The crown acts as a temporary replacement until your permanent one is ready.

5) The Final Crown

The dentist will ensure the right crown size for your bite and tooth alignment. Once everything has been adjusted and checked by the dentist, he will place your permanent crowns.

What are the Types of Dental Crowns?

Here are the types of dental crowns:

1) Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are strong and durable, making them ideal for restoring teeth damaged by decay or trauma. They are often used on the back teeth because they can withstand biting and chewing pressure.

2) Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are the most common type of dental crown. They’re made of porcelain, creating a more natural appearance than other crowns. Porcelain crowns don’t require special care or maintenance and can last a decade.

3) Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

PFM crowns are crafted from a combination of porcelain and metal. The metal is used to provide strength and durability, while the porcelain provides a natural appearance. They’re often used in cases where the patient has experienced dental trauma or wear-and-tear on their teeth.

4) All-Resin Crowns

All-resin crowns are made of a composite material that is similar to porcelain. They’re less expensive than porcelain crowns but also less durable.

Dental Crown Aftercare Tips

a) Brush and Floss Daily

The first step to good dental hygiene is brushing and flossing. Brush using a soft-bristled toothbrush and use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the teeth.

b) Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash Daily

Use a mouthwash that contains alcohol, and do not swallow the mouthwash. If you have been using fluoride toothpaste, stop using it for at least one week before your next visit to the dentist to avoid any allergic reactions to the preservative used in this type of toothpaste.

c) Do not Chew Ice or Hard Foods

If you’ve been chewing ice or hard foods, it’s important to avoid doing so for the next few days. These activities can chip the crown and cause it to break, shift or come loose from its base. When your crown gets damaged, your dentist will remove it and install another one.

d) Visit Your Dentist for Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups are critical to the health and longevity of your dental crowns. If you notice a problem, contact your dentist immediately.

What is The Cost of Dental Crowns?

The cost of teeth crowns depends on the type of material. Porcelain and gold crowns are the most expensive option. Ceramic crowns are affordable and durable and would be another great option since their high strength makes them resistant to wear & tear while remaining lightweight.

Visit a Tooth Crown Dentist Near You

While dental crowns are an option for restoring your smile, they’re only right for some. Call us or book a consultation with Spring Creek Forest Dental to get dental crowns in Spring, TX!