How a Crown is Placed
At your visit, the dentist will normally start with x-rays to examine the roots and bone of the teeth that require care. A root canal may be needed if there is too much decay or a high risk of infection. Once this evaluation is done, here are the typical steps to get a crown:
- Numbing the tooth with local anesthesia.
- Selecting a shade for the crown based on the color of the surrounding teeth.
- Removing the decay, existing filling, or other material as needed.
- The tooth is reshaped to prepare it for the crown application.
- Take an impression of the tooth using a paste, putty, or a digital scanner.
- Take a final impression.
- A temporary crown is designed based on your dimensions and provided to shield the tooth.
- A permanent crown is also made and then cemented in place.
- Evaluating the patient’s bite pattern and making adjustments as needed.
Caring for a Temporary Crown
While your permanent crown is being made, it is important to care for your temporary dental crown because the temporary protection is not constructed to be permanent. Here are some important suggestions:
- Don’t eat chewy foods (gum, caramels, etc.) which can attach to and dislodge the crown.
- Try to chew on the other side of your mouth as much as possible.
- Avoid hard foods because they can cause the crown to break.
- Slide dental floss out rather than lifting it through, as this can dislodge the crown.
- Use a night guard if you are prone to grinding or clenching your teeth.
Should you experience any trouble with your temporary crown, let your dentist in Grande Prairie know right away.
Materials Crowns are Made From
Crowns can be made from many different materials. At Cobblestone Dental, we typically use zirconia, porcelain, and gold. However, if requested, porcelain fused-to-metal, all-resin, all-ceramic, all-porcelain, metal, or stainless steel can normally be applied as well. The best choice for you depends on your oral health and aesthetic preferences, as well as what your dentist recommends.
Complications with Crowns
There are several possible complications with crowns that need to be weighed when selecting this particular service as opposed to other options. These include:
- Tooth sensitivity – This can be due to heat, cold, or pressure. It can also be a result of not fitting correctly, so talk to your dentist if this occurs. Also, the nerves adjust, so your dentist may give you a timeframe to expect some sensitivity. If this exceeds what you expected, talk to the dentist.
- Crown chips – Porcelain crowns are vulnerable to chipping.
- The crown falls out – Crowns have a life span, and they may end up coming out. If your crown becomes wiggly, see your dentist as it can be reglued.
- Allergic reactions – Especially to metal crowns.
- Gum disease – Namely in the area around the crown. Talk to your dentist if you are experiencing irritation
How Long Crowns Last
Most dental crowns near you are designed to last for nearly a lifetime, but this can vary according to the type of structure you receive, as it can vary from 5 to 15 years. Individual results are dependent on the material used to fabricate the crown, the nature of the placement, usage, and other health factors.
Schedule an Appointment at Our Practice
Cobblestone Dental knows that your smile is important to you, and that’s why, when you come in to get a dental crown, it is carefully designed to accentuate your natural smile. Our dentists want to help you reestablish your oral health and would love to meet with you during a scheduled appointment to find out more about your dental needs.
Please call us at (780) 833-8898 to choose a time to visit us today!