Information on Dental Crowns from Primary Dental Care

Dental crowns are important appliances that can help save someone’s tooth. Your dentist may utilize crowns, which are also called caps, in various circumstances. Overall, the dental crown is designed to allow you to use your natural teeth in a more effective manner and to preserve them for years to come.

Sudden or Gradual Damage

A crown is a custom-made dental appliance that mimics the look of a natural tooth. Situations that lead to the need for crowns are various. A tooth can become damaged over time from constant use with the result being it needs a crown, or, on the other hand, a person may suffer some trauma that affects a tooth in a manner that the person now requires a cap to make the tooth whole again.

Crowns are called upon to make a chipped tooth whole again, to replace damaged or worn out crowns, or to cover a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. Sturdy, durable crowns are used when fillings cannot do the job, when a tooth might succumb to fracturing if it’s not protected, or to cover a dental implant.

The Process

The process of measuring for and installing a crown can usually be done in two visits. At Primary Dental Care, your dentist will examine you, and determine if you require a crown. If you do need one, the dentist will shape the tooth first, preparing it for the molding process, where an impression is made of the tooth that will receive the crown. Also, prior to taking the impression, your dentist may need to fill the tooth to ensure a proper fit.

Once the impression is taken and the mold made, it is sent to a facility that manufactures dental appliances, There it will be made to exact specifications. In approximately a week, you’ll return to have your crown installed. Although all crowns are custom-made, that does not mean that every one fits perfectly when first installed.

Your dentist will install the crown. If it does fit, then it will be permanently cemented in place. However, if the fit is not quite correct, your dentist has two options. One is to make adjustments to the tooth receiving the crown. However, if that’s does not work or is not a viable choice, then the dentist will make another mold of the tooth and have a second crown made.

After Installation

After crowns are installed, there may be some mild pain or discomfort when you chew. Also, you may feel sensitivity to temperature changes. Over-the-counter pain medications are recommended for such occurrences.

However, if such problems persist, if there is severe pain, or if the crown does not fit properly, call your dentist at Primary Dental Care. You’ll be seen quickly and your practitioner will work to solve the problem in an expedient fashion.

Making Your Crown Last

Primary Dental Care recommends that anyone who receives a crown practice proper oral hygiene. It’s important to treat the area where the crown has been installed as you would your natural teeth. For all patients, including those who receive crowns, we advocate daily brushing, flossing, and use of an antibacterial mouthwash.

If you would like more information on how custom-made, permanent crowns may help you, or you would like to make an appointment, contact Primary Dental Care in Garden Grove, California at 714-537-5700.