What Are Dental Crowns?
When a tooth is damaged or gets worn down, it can be saved with a dental crown. Also called a cap, dental crowns are custom made to cover your tooth and colored to blend with your surrounding teeth for an attractive appearance. At Knight Dental Care in Midland, MI, we can use a crown to treat a large area of decay, strengthen a damaged tooth, restore a cracked tooth, or mask discoloration. Schedule a consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Knight to find out how a crown can strengthen or repair your damaged tooth while also enhancing the overall health of your mouth.
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What are the benefits of a dental crown?
Worn-down or damaged teeth can make it difficult to speak and chew properly, and they can also lead to other more serious dental problems. A dental crown from Knight Dental Care protects a tooth from further damage and restores both function and appearance. Crowns are made from high-quality materials like porcelain or ceramic, which means they can blend in with your natural teeth for a discreet, attractive appearance. Dr. Knight can create a crown that fits your individual smile perfectly.
Do I Need a Dental Crown?
You might want or need a crown for a number of different reasons. They can be used to protect a tooth weakened by decay to keep it from breaking. They can hold parts of a tooth together that have already cracked. Dental crowns can fix a loose or worn-down tooth. They can be used to support a tooth with a lot of decay that cannot take a tooth-colored filling, serve as part of a dental bridge, or even mask discolored or misshapen teeth. Even more, crowns may be glued to your tooth or connected to a dental implant. The crown's material is chosen based on the location of the tooth. Metal or porcelain fused to metal (PFM) are generally stronger so they are better suited for the back teeth that are less visible. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are often selected for the front teeth and custom made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. In your consultation, Dr. Knight will go over your options and help you select the best crown for your needs.
What is the Procedure of Getting a Dental Crown?
During your consultation, Dr. Knight will take dental impressions so your crown can be made. In some cases, a temporary dental crown may be used to cover your tooth as your permanent crown is being crafted. Once your dental crown is ready, the treatment area will be numbed with a local anesthetic. More sedation techniques may be available to help you feel more comfortable during the procedure if you have any fears or anxieties. Once you are ready, Dr. Knight will prepare your tooth by removing debris and decay, then he will file down the enamel to make room for the crown. Your crown can be either cemented onto the tooth or attached to a dental implant. Once set, Dr. Knight can adjust the fit so your bite is correct and the crown is comfortable.
What to expect after dental crown treatment
Most people feel great after getting a dental crown and can return to their regular activities and routines on the same day as their treatment. It is normal to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures as your mouth adjusts to the new crown. Side effects like swelling are also normal. Dr. Knight will provide medications as well as information on how to take care of the newly treated area. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully to ensure the longevity of your restoration. With proper care, your dental crown can last for many years.
Dental crowns FAQs
Why should I choose a dental crown?
Dr. Knight may recommend a crown for many different situations. One reason is to protect and support a severely cracked or damaged tooth. They can also be used for cosmetic reasons, like covering a misshapen or discolored tooth. We can review your case in more detail to determine whether a dental crown is the best way to move forward.
How long do dental crowns last?
A dental crown is a very durable form of treatment in Midland, MI. If properly cared for, crowns can last up to ten years or longer. By protecting the tooth from further cracking and damage, it should be fairly easy to keep your crown in good condition for its full lifespan.
How should I care for my dental crown?
Taking care of your dental crown is very important. Routinely brushing and flossing around the crown will help prevent decay from setting in, as well as reduce your risk of gum disease. You should also try to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods. Remember to schedule regular cleanings and check-ups with Knight Dental Care!
Custom Dental Crowns
Damaged, missing, discolored, and misshapen teeth can all be treated with custom crowns at Knight Dental Care. Talk to cosmetic and general dentist Dr. Knight about how a dental crown can protect your tooth from further damage and help to keep your whole mouth healthy. Offering different materials for your needs, a custom-made crown can be made to match the color of your teeth so your smile remains beautiful. Contact our office in Midland, MI to schedule an appointment with Dr. Knight.