Your dentist says one or more of your teeth needs a crown, and you are now wondering what the whole treatment is all about. Cosmetic and restorative dentistry has come a long way, and most treatments available are safe and not painful. Consider seeing a seasoned family dentist in Richmond, IN, to understand the pros and cons of crowns and if you would benefit from other options. Below, we have answered all common questions related to dental crowns.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown, also known as a cap, is designed to encase a tooth’s surface to restore shape and size. Crowns are made of various materials, but porcelain ones are the most common of all. Porcelain crowns are often fused to metal or other materials, which adds to the strength of the cap, but at some point, you may have to replace crowns. While crowns are often used for cosmetic reasons, especially when you have a broken or fractured tooth, your dentist may also recommend getting one for a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment.
What is the procedure like?
Your dentist will ask you to come twice to get a crown. The first appointment is all about making room for the crown, for which they may remove a part of the enamel and complete or replace fillings as required. Many clinics offer same-day crowns using Cerec technology, which helps create the customized cap as you wait in the clinic. Otherwise, your dentist will take impressions and send the same to a lab to order a crown for the affected tooth to get the encasing made. If there is any decay in the tooth, your dentist will remove the same and use a filling. The crown is finally fixed to the tooth.
Are crowns permanent?
While crowns are meant to last for years, most materials only last for a certain number of years. If your crown chips or cracks, you will have to get replacement caps, for which the process remains the same.
Are dental crowns safe?
Yes, absolutely. Crowns, whether used for restorative or cosmetic reasons, are safe. No downtime is involved, and you can go home on the same day. The process doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort, and if there is decay or a deep infection in the tooth, your dentist will do a root canal treatment before ordering or fixing a crown.
Talk to your dentist to know more.