If you’ve got a missing or severely damaged tooth, your Ace Dental dentist may suggest a dental crown to remedy the problem. A crown is like a cap that encases a damaged tooth. It is shaped to resemble a real tooth and is a great cosmetic solution for damaged teeth that is also functional. In some cases, a crown can also be fitted over a dental implant.
If you have a tooth that has seen better days, or a gap in your smile, a crown can restore your smile.
Why Are Crowns Necessary?
There are a number of reasons your Ace Dental dentist may recommend fitting you with a crown. You may have a weak tooth that needs a little support and strength or you may have just undergone a root canal treatment and need to protect your tooth and the cavity.
A crown can also provide a better foundation for a large filling, giving the tooth improved structure. You may also have a misshapen tooth and would like to cover it up with a crown that looks like a perfect, natural tooth.
Major dental reconstructive work may also need a crown. A crown is the perfect solution when you need to securely anchor a bridge to your teeth and it’s also used in conjunction with dental implants. Whatever your reason for needing a crown, your dentist will guide you through the process.
How Are Crowns Fitted?
During your first consultation with your dentist, you will undergo a complete oral examination. This examination will also include a 3D scan or an x-ray so that your dentist will have a complete picture of your tooth and the jaw structure beneath the tooth.
If there are any problems with your tooth, such as decay or severe damage, this will need to be rectified first. This may require some filling work or a root canal. Where decay is a problem, a root canal treatment may be necessary to prevent infection inside the gum. This must be treated to stop more serious issues after the crown is fitted.
Under local anaesthetic, your dentist will clean and reshape your tooth and prepare it for the crown. Once the tooth has been prepared your dentist will take an impression of your tooth and send it to the lab to be made into a crown. This may take a few days so your dentist will fill you with a temporary crown until your permanent one is ready.
Your second visit is when you will be fitted with your permanent crown. Your dentist will test the crown first, to ensure it fits perfectly and looks natural next to your own teeth. Then, and only then, will your dentist apply a bonding compound and securely fit you with your new crown. You will also be asked to visit your dentist for a follow-up appointment to make sure your crown is comfortable and that you are happy with your new smile.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Most dental crowns are made of stainless steel, or other metals such as gold or another alloy metal. A thin layer of porcelain or resin compound is then fused to the metal so you get a crown that is very strong, but still has the look and feel of a natural tooth.
These combined materials are your assurance that your dental crown will last for many years. With proper dental hygiene, your crown can last for at least 10 to 20 years. Keep visiting your dentist regularly to ensure your crown is in good shape and you will definitely be able to extend the longevity of your crown.
How To Care For Crowns
Once your Ace Dental crown is securely in place, it won’t need any special care. All you need to do is keep up your regular oral hygiene routine, but you must be diligent. You should also book regular visits with your Ace Dental dentist to ensure your crown and the rest of your teeth are at an optimal level of health.
Your new crown may take a few days to get used to, but once you become accustomed to the new shape and feel of your smile you won’t even notice it anymore.
Call on 020 8530 4230 to find out how our team can help you improve your smile.
