Dental crowns have been around for a very long time. And even though dental technology has advanced with leaps and bounds in the past few decades, the dental crown continues to work in many capacities with little side effects. Functionality and aesthetics are two of the reasons dental crowns have remained in the forefront of dental treatment.
For most patients, once a crown has been cemented into place, it can be forgotten. It has served a certain purpose; little food restrictions are recommended (sticky foods like caramel may not be a great choice) but that’s about it.
Dental crowns are used in multiple treatment applications … saving a broken or severely decayed tooth from extraction; as an anchor to support a dental prosthesis; the final step in endodontic treatment; or as the final restoration to complete the dental implant process.
Crowns can be fabricated using a variety of materials. Factors that may dictate what is used can be discussed with your dentist … the location of the tooth in the mouth and budgetary requirements are often the biggest considerations. The use of porcelain has grown over the years as it provides a strong, tooth colored restoration that is also stain resistant.
When a crown is recommended, the process can take up to two weeks from start to finish (depending on the application). To repair a broken or decayed tooth, the tooth is reduced by the dentist. Impressions for the lab are taken, and a temporary is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it until the final crown is ready. A temporary is just that so this is where eating restrictions may come into play. If the temporary does come off, your dentist can make another one for you. This process is the same when a crown is used to complete root canal treatment.
Other restorative work may take a little longer, but the dental crown can provide a source of protection and functionality with little disruption in day to day living.
A well cared for crown can last indefinitely, but there are circumstances where a crown may need to be replaced. Daily brushing and flossing coupled with seeing your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and dental exam are ways you can extend the life of your dental crown.
To learn more about the benefits of dental crowns, contact our Denton, TX office at (940) 293-2635 today.