Do you have damaged or discolored teeth? Restore the appearance of teeth while protecting them with dental crowns. Dental crowns offer multiple benefits to patients who have chipped, worn, discolored, and damaged teeth. As a restorative dentist in Mt. Pleasant, MI, Dr. Ray Ribitch places all types of dental crowns to meet your dental health and aesthetic needs.
A dental crown is a cap that fits over a tooth to increase its size or improve its shape. Crowns can also strengthen a tooth and give it a better overall appearance. Crowns can play an important role in the long-term health, stability, and natural appearance of your smile. Dental crowns can also be used to hold a filling, attach a dental bridge, restore a root canal, or cover the post of a dental implant.
Treatment with Dental Crowns
The procedure for a crown begins with an x-ray to see the condition of the tooth’s root and to assess the bone surrounding it. A root canal may be required if there is a lot of decay. The tooth receiving the dental crown will be prepared by removing a small part of the tooth structure.
Dr. Ribitch will numb the area around the tooth and file it down to make room for the new crown. If a lot of the tooth is missing, it may need to be built up a bit before receiving the crown. This ensures that a stable foundation is made for a perfect fit.
The next step is making an impression of the tooth for the crown. Impressions of the opposing tooth are also made to determine a proper fit for the bite. If a porcelain crown is to be used, Dr. Ribitch will pick a color that matches your other teeth to ensure that your crown blends in with the rest of your smile. While your permanent crown is being created, a temporary crown will be fitted to protect the tooth until the new one is ready.
Crowns can be made of metal, porcelain fused to metal, all-resin, all-porcelain, or all-ceramic. Metal crowns are the most durable option without causing problems to the opposing teeth. Temporary crowns made of steel or acrylic may be used while the permanent ones are made by the dental lab. You will be provided with a temporary dental crown while the custom permanent restoration is being made.
The following visit entails fitting and making sure that the color of your new crown matches your other teeth. Then the permanent restoration will be secured and polished when finished. Patients leave our office with a new aesthetically pleasing and functional smile. Crowns generally last about 10-15 years, but with proper oral care and diet they may last up to 30.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Do you have further questions about how dental crowns can restore function and aesthetics to your smile? Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions in our office.
How do I care for my temporary dental crown?
A temporary crown will be placed before the permanent restoration is ready. Avoid sticky and chewy foods that can pull at the crown. When flossing, slide the flossing material out rather than up between teeth. We also recommend that patients minimize using the side of their mouth with the temporary crown. It is important to remember that this is temporary, and a permanent crown is being fabricated for you.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last up to 30 years with the right dental care. The average lifespan of a dental crown is between 5 to 15 years. Oral hygiene is important for your dental crown to last a long time. We recommend scheduling professional dental cleanings biannually. This allows us to check on your crown, your overall oral health and catch any issues before they have time to progress. Additionally, dental crowns secured using a dental implant tend to last longer than traditional crowns.
Do dental crowns hurt?
The tooth or teeth receiving the dental crowns are numbed during the procedure for your comfort. You may feel slight pressure, but you should not feel any pain. You may feel tooth sensitivity after the procedure, but the pain is minimal and shouldn’t last long. An OTC pain reliever can alleviate any sensitivity or discomfort. However, this should go away within 2-3 days after placing your crown.
How long does it take dental crowns to settle?
It takes some time for your dental crown to feel natural. It’s a completely new structure in your mouth, so it takes time to get used to it. Even though it’s the same shape and size as your natural teeth, it’ll feel too big in your mouth. You may also experience some sensitivity. It takes about two weeks for things to settle and for the crown to feel natural.
Why should I get a dental crown instead of just a tooth extraction?
We practice conservative dentistry and want to preserve the natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dental crowns are often the last resort to save teeth with severe decay or damage. This allows us to keep the tooth root and prevent negative side effects like jawbone deterioration in that area. If the tooth is beyond help or if it risks the health of other teeth or tissue, we’ll resort to extraction. Replacement options like dental implants ensure your smile can stay complete.
What can’t I do after getting a dental crown?
Avoid chewing hard and sticky foods for the first 24 hours after getting your permanent crown. This gives the dental cement that bonds the crown to your natural tooth time to set and harden completely. We recommend eating softer foods for the first few days after the procedure, as you might be a little sore in that area.
Schedule an Appointment
Do you want to protect your teeth with dental crowns? Call Dr. Ribitch and his team today at 989-772-1344.