Are tooth chips and cracks making it uncomfortable for you to bite and chew? Do you have one or more teeth that need extra support? A dental crown might be the right restorative dentistry treatment for you. A dental crown is a cap that can fully cover a tooth or dental restoration. They are custom made dental restorations that can be fabricated from various material including porcelain, zirconium, or other materials. They are used to restore teeth cosmetically while also restoring function to patients’ smiles. Integrated Dental can provide you with a dental crown in Sarasota, FL.
What Can Dental Crowns Do?
A dental crown is a very important dental restoration. It has many uses in modern dentistry to restore a tooth, improve its function, and make it look natural again. It can be used for restorative purposes or cosmetic purposes. Tooth crowns help to correct the following issues:
- Fix fractured, chipped, and cracked teeth
- Stabilize a dental bridge
- Improve the appearance discolored teeth
- Cover a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
We often recommend dental crowns for patients who have particularly weakened enamel after root canal treatment. Dental crowns not only create a more stable bite but also offer strength to teeth. They are made from extremely durable materials that add strength to teeth that were otherwise weakening.
The Benefits of a Dental Crown
A dental crown is a key treatment to supporting your dental health. There are many benefits to treatment your dental issues with one. Dr. Benson will recommend a dental crown because of the following reasons:
- Restores the tooth structure: Crowns are used to restore the structural integrity of a tooth that has been damaged by decay, trauma, or everyday wear and tear. A dental crown will provide strength and support to the tooth, preventing further deterioration.
- Protects the tooth: Dental crowns act as protective shields by protecing weak teeth against bacterial invasion and further damage. This is crucial for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment or have large fillings.
- Return the tooth to natural appearance: A dental crown is custom designed to match the color, shape, and size of a patient’s natural tooth, improving the tooth’s appearance. They can also be used for cosmetic purposes, enhancing the overall smile.
- Helps the tooth function normally: Crowns restore a tooth’s functionality, allowing patients to chew and speak comfortably and efficiently.
- Prevents tooth Fractures: Weakened or cracked teeth are often crowned to prevent further fractures, preserving the tooth’s integrity.
- Crowns can last for many years: Crowns are durable and can last for many years with proper care, ensuring long-term dental health.
Inlays and Onlays
Known as partial crowns, inlays and onlays are tooth-colored restorations that cover different areas of the tooth than dental crowns. Inlays are similar to dental fillings because they cover the chewing surface of a tooth between the sides or cusps.
Onlays cover the chewing surface and the tooth cusps. Inlays and onlays may be made of porcelain or composite resin materials. We recommend materials matching natural teeth’s color for a seamless look. In most cases, patients cannot tell the difference between their natural teeth and their inlay or onlays. These restorations also provide added strength to the tooth structure.
Dental Crown Treatment in Sarasota, FL
We use Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC®) technology to create custom, same-day dental crowns. This means we can take digital dental impressions, design custom crowns, and mill the restoration in our office. This can all be done in one appointment, as opposed to older methods where we would send impressions to a dental lab for crowns to be created in a process that may take up to three weeks. CEREC technology uses computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM).
To begin treatment, we take a digital impression of your smile using a handheld scanner. This scanner creates a 3-D image of the teeth and gums on our computer screen. The image creates an accurate picture of the smile. Then, the computer-aided design software highlights areas on the 3-D model that require restoration. Using this technology, we can also show patients what their smiles will look like once the crown is placed.
The CEREC milling machine then creates the crown from a ceramic block according to the computer’s specifications. Once we ensure that the crown is the correct shape and shade, we cement the restoration onto the tooth. Crowns are a permanent restoration; however, they can be removed if absolutely necessary.
Post-Operative Care: Dental Crowns
To keep your crowns healthy and intact, follow these tips:
- Eat Soft Foods: Avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods that can dislodge your new crown. Damaging or dislodging the crown over a tooth or implant can also introduce harmful bacteria to the teeth and gums.
- Continue Your Oral Hygiene Routine: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your crown and natural teeth gently. Avoid using certain kinds of toothpaste, particularly whitening toothpaste, that contain abrasive materials.
- Contact Our Office If Needed: If you notice your crown coming loose, sensitivity to sweet foods, or damage to your restoration, call Integrated Dental.
Dental Crown FAQs
Read through the answers to frequently asked questions about dental crowns. If you have furthers concerns or questions about this restorative dentistry treatment, please feel free to contact us during normal office hours.
What should I do if my dental crown falls out?
If your dental crown falls out or gets damaged in any way, please call us as soon as you can. Our staff will work you into our schedule quickly. Please save the crown as there is a good chance we can simply re-cement it back on to the tooth. You will need to protect the tooth until we can see you. Call our office and we will walk you through how to do that and how to preserve the crown.
How long will my dental crown last?
With proper care, your dental crown can last up to 15 years or more. Being dedicated to proper oral hygiene is the key to the longevity of your new tooth crown. Fortunately, they do not require much extra care. All you need to do is brush your teeth and floss daily as well as visit our Sarasota, Florida dental office twice a year for a check-up and teeth cleaning.
Can I get a dental crown on my front tooth?
Dental crowns can be used on any tooth in your mouth, even a front tooth. They are custom made to fit perfectly in your mouth and blend in naturally. Molds of your teeth will be used to ensure a proper fit. The cap will go all the way to your gum line and be virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth.
Is a dental crown painful?
The dental crown procedure should not cause you any pain. We will completely numb the area around the tooth being treated so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Most people say it is similar to getting a tooth filling. After the procedure, your tooth may feel sensitive and ache a day or so. This will pass in a few days. If the sensitivity lasts longer than a week, please contact us.
What happens if I chip my tooth crown?
If your dental crowns chips, you will need to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Benson. Contact Integrated Dental as soon as possible to set your visit. To prevent further damage, avoid chewing on the tooth until your visit. Seeking treatment right away and avoiding using the tooth will give preserve the integrity of the crown. Dr. Benson may be able to repair the chip in the office. However, if there is significant damage to the dental crown, he may need to replace it.
Is it normal for a new crown to be sensitive?
Yes, after the anesthesia wears off, your tooth will be sensitive. It is very sensitive to variations in temperature and pressure. This sensation should lessen after a few weeks as your tongue adjusts to the new crown. If not, please see your dentist for a checkup.
Will my dental insurance cover my tooth crown?
Most dental insurance plans cover dental crowns if they are medically needed. For example, if you have significant tooth decay and need to have it restored for protection, your policy will cover a portion of the therapy. However, coverage will vary from policy to policy. Most dental insurance plans cover 50–80% of the cost of a tooth crown. Dental insurance is unlikely to pay for a dental crown for cosmetic purposes. Check with your insurance company for policy information.
What is the difference between a dental crown and a dental veneer?
A dental crown is a dental restoration that resembles a tooth that will cover a prepared natural tooth. It will encase the entire tooth all the way to the gum line. Your dentist will use a tooth crown to strengthen and protect damaged or decaying teeth.
In contrast, a dental veneer is for disguising minor blemishes and will only cover the front surface of a natural tooth. It is for cosmetic purposes and not to restore the integrity of a tooth. The dentist will need to remove a small layer of enamel to place it while a dental crown requires a much larger portion of the tooth to be removed.
Book an Appointment to Receive a Dental Crown in Sarasota, FL
We encourage you to call us if you have any questions about dental crown care and treatment. You may schedule an appointment with our team on our website or call Integrated Dental at 941-270-9755. We’re here to provide you with restorations that look and function naturally and last for years to come.