Dental Crown
Dental Crown Placement in San Jose provided by Dr. Shiba
at Nancy Shiba, DDS
Reshaping of teeth is required when your teeth have cracked or chipped. The right way to fill in the gaps is by having a dental crown placed. Just like it is needed for you to understand other dental procedures, the same thing applies before installing dental crowns.
Dental crowns are also effective dental solutions for restoring teeth. The main reason why dentists at Nancy Shiba, DDS recommend them for their patients is that they are practical and fast to regain the natural size, health, and shape of a tooth.
The more informed you are about the dental crown procedure, the better you can ease anxiety and be well-prepared before your dental appointment.
Understanding What a Dental Crown Is
Assume a crown is like a cap that is attached with an adhesive to the tooth. Dental crowns are placed to enhance the reshaping, strengthening, and resizing of the teeth that have been worn down or broken by decay.
A crown is usually there to protect the outer part of the teeth from further damage as well as to prevent patients from having to go through additional dental procedures like root canals or extractions.
A crown can either be made of metal or porcelain only or the two materials combined. Mostly, dental crowns are known as being made out of porcelain.
An incident where partial crowns are required is when teeth do not need full dental crowns but are not viable for a simple dental fillings.
An exam carried out by a dentist will enhance and determine whether the dental filling is intact or missing in some parts of the tooth. Onlays are installed to give a natural tooth strength when it is weak.
Partial crowns can prevent a tooth from decaying and enhance the tooth structure to remain intact.
Who Needs Dental Crowns?
Biting should not be painful for any person. Hence, if you keep having pain anytime you bite something hard, you are a candidate for dental crowns.
In addition, it is possible that your tooth could have cracks that cannot heal on their own. In such a case, a crown is necessary for restoring cracks and chips.
Also, crowns will cover or support teeth from wearing down. Some people also choose dental crowns when they want to improve the shape and color of their teeth.
Finally, you might require dental crowns to hold your dental bridge.
Dental Crown Procedure
During the dental crown procedure, you will need to visit a dentist twice. At the first visit, you will need to go through several x-rays to see how the tooth bone and root look.
The dentist then uses the x-ray to determine if there is a root canal required. If the severity of the decay is profound, then a dentist gauges the risk of infection. The tooth will be numbed as well as the surrounding area.
The following procedure will be to fill the tooth, so that room for the crown is created.
After reshaping, a putty or paste is applied for the impression of teeth to form so the procedure can begin. The impressions could either be performed on the bottom or top teeth.
This assures patients that their bite will never be impacted once the crown is installed. Digital scanners are part of the process. The impressions are later taken to the lab, where shaping and sculpting of the teeth are carried out.
If porcelain crowns are to be used, a shade that suits the patient is selected. If needed, a dentist chooses a temporary crown for tooth protection up to the time when the permanent crown is ready.
Crown After Care
There is minimal care needed for fixed crowns. Your dentists will advise you to give your crowns the same treatment that you give to your natural teeth.
However, for temporary crowns, you will need to give them more care so that you can bite and chew normally with them. Avoid food that needs excessive chewing, and also avoid sticky foods.
Brushing your dental crowns should be done twice daily, just like your natural teeth.
Using the side of your mouth after temporary crowns is prohibited. Although you might find this difficult, you should stick to these guidelines for the time given.
If you have been flossing your natural teeth, then you can continue that with your new crowns. It is also important to make sure you are flossing, to get rid of any stuck food residue, which may lead to decay if not removed in a timely manner.
If you follow these guidelines given by Nancy Shiba DDS, then you will do well with permanent crowns once they are restored.
Schedule Your Dental Crown Appointment
Schedule a dental crown restoration appointment with us here at Nancy Shiba, DDS. Feel free to give us a call at (669) 306-7669 to schedule your next appointment.
FAQs
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over damaged, decayed, or unattractive teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They can be made from a variety of materials including porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloys.
What are the benefits of dental crowns?
Dental crowns provide numerous benefits including restoring the appearance of a tooth, protecting a weak tooth from breaking, covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling, and holding a dental bridge in place. They also help improve chewing and speaking abilities.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years or even longer. Regular dental check-ups are important to ensure the longevity of the crown.
What is the process of getting a dental crown?
The process typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will examine and prepare the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary crown. On the second visit, the permanent crown is placed and adjusted for a proper fit.
Are dental crowns painful?
The process of getting a dental crown is generally not painful as local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Some patients may experience minor discomfort after the procedure, but this typically subsides quickly.
How should I care for my dental crown?
To care for your dental crown, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Avoid chewing hard foods or objects that could damage the crown. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of the crown and surrounding teeth.
Can dental crowns be whitened?
No, dental crowns cannot be whitened. They are made from materials that do not respond to whitening treatments. If you are considering whitening your teeth, it's best to do so before getting a crown to ensure a good match with your natural teeth.
What materials are used for dental crowns?
Dental crowns can be made from several materials including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, and composite resin. The choice of material depends on the location of the tooth, aesthetic considerations, and the patient's preference.
How much do dental crowns cost?
The cost of dental crowns varies based on the material used and the complexity of the procedure. It is best to consult with your dentist for an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs.
Does insurance cover the cost of dental crowns?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dental crowns, especially if they are medically necessary. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage details.
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