Having holes or chips in your tooth can feel embarrassing. Not to mention, it can also have a huge impact on your confidence to smile brightly. That is one reason why you need to get a dental crown in Zebulon to make your teeth look better, restoring your confidence in smiling!
Dental crowns can go hand-in-hand with implants and veneers, which is why it’s the perfect treatment of choice if you want to focus on aesthetics and functionality. Wondering how dental crowns work and how they are maintained? Don’t worry! We can tell you everything you need to know about them here!
What Is a Dental Crown and How Does It Work?
A dental crown is a cap placed on a damaged or weak tooth. Dental crowns can be made of several different materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, composite resin, or a combination of any of these.
When choosing a dental crown and the material to be used in making it, your dentist will take into consideration the following factors:
- The number of remaining natural teeth
- Your damaged tooth’s location
- The part of the tooth that needs to be crowned
- The number of teeth that show when you smile
- The color of your teeth
There are different types of dental crowns which have other functions and longevity. First are the temporary crowns, which are often used to protect your affected tooth while waiting for your permanent crown to be finished.
Some dental clinics offer one-day crowns made using computer-aided design and manufacturing. This is an excellent option if you want to have an urgent remedy for your broken tooth. You can also opt for onlay crowns if you only want to cover your tooth partially.
The procedure for placing dental crowns is simple. First, you need to undergo an X-ray examination to see how severely damaged a tooth is. You might need to undergo a root canal treatment if the infection has reached the pulp.
Afterward, your dentist will reshape or build up your tooth before making an impression where your dental crown will be placed.
Why Do Dental Crowns Need Replacement?
While dental crowns are designed to be durable, they have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. This is subject to change depending on the lifestyle you practice and how well you maintain your oral health.
You need to watch for signs whenever you need to replace your dental crown. Ignoring them may result in severe oral problems, which are more expensive to treat.
Firstly, if you feel sensitivity and discomfort whenever you bite and chew, this might indicate that you have unfit crowns that need to be checked. Your dentist might change the placement of your crown.
Another sign you should watch out for is the allergic reaction you experience after getting a dental crown. This is often caused by the material that is used. Consult your dentist immediately and change your dental crown’s material to avoid further health problems.
If you also happen to have chips and cracks on your dental crown, it is best to replace them. Your dental crown is not durable enough to protect your tooth if it’s damaged.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Crown
You can always prolong the lifespan of your dental crown with the proper practice of oral hygiene. Just wearing a dental crown does not mean you are safe from having gum disease.
As usual, floss and brush your teeth regularly, and don’t forget to see your dentist at least twice a year to check if your dental crown is doing good. Your dentist will most likely recommend using toothpaste for sensitivity when brushing your dental crowns as it is not abrasive.
If you happen to wear porcelain dental crowns, you should be careful when chewing hard food as it might get cracked. Eating sticky food can also loosen your dental crown. That is why it is best to avoid these too.
You can also wear a night guard while sleeping, especially if you experience bruxism. You should also practice healthy habits, such as controlling the amount of sugar you eat and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
Looking for a Durable Dental Crown in Zebulon?
At Tryon Family Dentistry, we have been restoring our patients’ smiles with our high-quality dental crowns in Zebulon, North Carolina.
Remember to share this article with your family and friends who need help making their teeth look great and durable again. Give us a call to know more about a dental crown in Zebulon and book an appointment with our dentist today!
