Though it’s common for crowns to be used in a dental restoration procedure, many people aren’t exactly sure what dental crowns are or the benefits they offer. Circle Drive Dental offers this quick guide to help dental patients in Rochester, Minnesota who are considering dental crowns.

Some cavities grow so large that they take up half the width or more of a tooth. The sheer size of such cavities puts considerable strain on the remaining tooth, leaving it susceptible to fracture. Inserting a crown ensures that the tooth remains intact. Similarly, fillings utilized for large cavities will eventually grow old, potentially developing signs of stress or fracture. A crown is useful here, as well as in a situation where the filling is still in place, but little remains of the tooth.

Everyone’s teeth wear down, but the process is accelerated in certain cases. For example, people who consume a lot of highly acidic foods and people with acid reflux can experience faster wear due to the acid eroding the teeth – specifically the enamel, which when gone leaves the teeth soft and vulnerable. Also, people with bruxism (chronic grinding and clenching of the teeth) experience faster tooth-wear. In these situations, dental crowns administered by an experienced general dentist are useful for restoring the affected teeth.

Nothing boosts a person’s confidence like a nice smile, and dental crowns are a simple yet effective way of doing just that. Crowns are especially effective for patients with large gaps between their teeth, or patients with teeth that are misshapen or discolored.

During a root canal procedure, the affected tooth is essentially hollowed out. This puts the remaining tooth at risk of fracture. It’s common for a dentist to insert a dental crown after a root canal procedure to support the tooth’s integrity and keep it from cracking or breaking off.

A typical dental crown procedure begins with the dentist applying a local anesthesia to the area of focus. If the tooth is in poor condition, a filling may need to be inserted so that the crown has something on which to attach. The next step is for the tooth to be shaved down, after which the dentist makes an impression of the tooth to ensure the crown is the right shape and size. Also, the dentist will take pictures or use a shade guide to confirm that the crown closely matches the color of the surrounding teeth. This information is sent to a lab technician, and then a temporary crown is placed on the tooth.

After a few weeks have passed, the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent one. The dentist will check to see that the permanent crown is a good fit, after which the crown is attached to the tooth via dental glue or permanent cement. All in all, a pretty simple procedure with a big upside.

If you’d like more information on dental crowns, contact our dentists in Rochester today. We’re happy to consult with you on this procedure and anything else regarding your oral health.