Are you considering getting a dental crown? Dental crowns provide multiple benefits, from restoring the shape and size of your tooth to providing extra stability. Before deciding if a dental crown is right for you, it’s important to understand what they’re made of, how long they last, and how much they cost. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about dental crowns so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this treatment is right for you.

What is a dental crown, and what are its benefits?

A dental crown is a professional restoration to protect and reinforce weakened or damaged teeth. It is a popular form of professional dental work because it provides many benefits. A dental crown acts like a cap that literally fits over the entire tooth portion, which helps preserve what remains underneath and prevents further decay. This professional restoration also has aesthetic advantages, helping to improve the overall appearance of your smile. Dental crowns protect teeth from further harm and can restore strength and improve chewing function. Finally, these restorations can be durable and long-lasting solutions when properly cared for compared with other professional treatments.

When might you need a dental crown, and what are the signs that you do?

Dental crowns may be recommended if you have a large cavity that causes structural weakness and would not be appropriately filled or if your tooth’s surface is too worn down or cracked, requiring protection from further damage or breaking. You might also need a dental crown to cover and support a dental implant, to fix an existing bridge between teeth that needs additional strength, or to provide a cosmetic improvement. Signs that you might need a dental crown can include sensitivity when eating certain foods or beverages, pain around the areas of a tooth that is easy to touch with an instrument (the tooth may require additional support and protection), teeth that appear disfigured due to decay and trauma, signs of visible brokenness near the gum line of any teeth, and esthetic improvement desired in some cases.

How will the dentist know if I need a dental crown, and how is it fitted onto my tooth?

Long Beach dentists can provide patients with the best possible professional dental work when considering a dental crown, as they are trained in examining teeth and determining whether a crown is necessary. A dentist will typically assess damage to a tooth due to cracking, breakage, large cavities, or other issues that can weaken the tooth’s root. If it is determined that a crown is necessary, Long Beach dentists will proceed with an impression of your mouth, shaping and fitting the crown onto your existing damaged tooth for support and protection.

How long will my dental crown last, and what should I do if it becomes loose or falls off?

Generally, a dental crown should last for many years; however, this can vary depending on how well you take care of it. To keep your dental crown in top shape, it is important to brush and floss regularly, maintain good oral hygiene habits, and avoid chewing hard foods such as hard candies or chips. If your dental crown does become loose or falls off, it is important to make an appointment with your dentist so they can evaluate the issue and determine what needs to be done. While it can usually be re-cemented into place if caught in time, a replacement may be necessary if the damage is too severe.

What are the potential side effects of having a dental crown fitted?

Having a dental crown fitted can come with certain risks, such as discomfort and swelling at the site of treatment and increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. In rare cases, allergic reactions can occur due to the material used in the crown’s composition. Additionally, fitting a crown may lead to complications such as inflammation of the gums or infection in deep periodontal pockets around the tooth for which the crown is being placed. It is important to know what potential side effects may arise from getting a dental crown fitted so that necessary steps can be taken to prevent or treat them should an issue arise.

Conclusion

A dental crown may be the best option for repairing a tooth that is damaged or decayed. If you are still determining if a dental crown is right for you, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will be able to assess your individual needs and recommend the best treatment plan for you. Do you have any additional questions about dental crowns? A team of experts at Long Beach Dental is here to help you. Please schedule an appointment with them today.