When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing oral health by restoring the function and appearance of damaged or decayed teeth. They provide a protective cover that strengthens weakened teeth, preventing further damage and decay. Dental crowns help maintain the surrounding teeth' alignment and avoid shifting by restoring proper chewing and biting function. Additionally, crowns support overall dental health by reducing the risk of fractures in compromised teeth and ensuring long-term durability. With their natural appearance, dental crowns not only improve oral functionality but also boost confidence by enhancing the aesthetics of your smile.

Signs You Might Need a Dental Crown 

A dental crown in Pasco, WA, is often necessary when a tooth has sustained significant damage that cannot be repaired with more straightforward treatments like fillings. For instance, teeth that are severely decayed usually lose a substantial amount of their structure, making them too weak to support a filling. In these cases, a crown can restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance, protecting it from further decay and damage.

Another common situation requiring a dental crown is after a root canal treatment. Teeth undergoing root canal procedures tend to become brittle and are more susceptible to fractures. Crowning such teeth provides the necessary protection and strength, ensuring they remain functional and are less prone to breaking. Similarly, crowns are ideal for repairing and protecting teeth that are cracked or broken, ensuring they can withstand the pressure of biting and chewing.

Crowns are also used to support teeth with large fillings, mainly when the filling compromises more than half of the tooth's structure. A crown can prevent the tooth from breaking and maintain its structural integrity in these scenarios. Additionally, crowns can cover teeth that are misshapen, discolored, or otherwise aesthetically compromised for patients looking to improve their smile, providing a uniform and natural-looking appearance.

In the case of dental bridges, crowns serve as anchors. They are placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap created by one or more missing teeth, providing stable support for the bridge. This helps restore the functionality and appearance of the patient's bite and smile. Furthermore, teeth worn down from habits like grinding (bruxism) or erosion from acidic foods and beverages may also benefit from crowns. These crowns can protect and restore worn teeth, preventing further damage and discomfort.

Lastly, crowns are essential in the process of placing dental implants. After an implant is inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root, a crown is placed on top of the implant. This restores the appearance and function of a natural tooth, offering a permanent solution for tooth loss. Contact us today to learn more.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Initial Consultation and Examination

• Our dentist in Pasco, WA, will examine your teeth to determine if a crown is the appropriate treatment. This may include X-rays to assess the health of the tooth's root and surrounding bone.

• If a crown is needed, our dentist will discuss the type suitable for your situation (e.g., porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination) and create a treatment plan.

Tooth Preparation

• The area around the affected tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.

• The dentist then reshapes the tooth, removing a portion of the outer layer to make space for the crown. The amount of tooth reduction depends on the type of crown being used.

• If the tooth is severely decayed, the dentist will remove the decay and may use a filling material to strengthen the tooth structure to support the crown.

Impressions

• After the tooth is shaped, our dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This can be done using a putty-like material or a digital scanner.

• Our dentist will also take impressions of how your teeth bite together to ensure the crown fits perfectly with your bite.

Temporary Crown

• While the permanent crown is made in the dental lab, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it.

• You will receive instructions on caring for your temporary crown, including avoiding sticky or hard foods and being cautious while flossing.

Permanent Crown Placement

• Once the permanent crown is ready, you will return to the dentist for the final placement.

• The temporary crown is carefully removed, and the prepared tooth is cleaned.

• The dentist will place the permanent crown over your tooth to check its fit, shape, and color. Adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure a perfect fit.

• Once satisfied with the fit, the dentist uses special dental cement to bond the crown to your tooth permanently. Excess cement is removed, and the bite is checked to ensure proper alignment.

Post-Procedure Care

• You may experience some sensitivity or discomfort for a few days after the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

• To ensure the crown's longevity, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting our dentist regularly.

• Our dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to check the crown and ensure it functions correctly.

Dental crowns provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for damaged or weakened teeth, restoring function and appearance. If you need a dental crown, visit Discount Dental at 2735 W Court St, Pasco, WA 99301, or call (509) 212-9227 to discuss the best options for your dental health.