Dental Crowns
At Sikora Family Dentistry, we use gentle techniques and quality dental materials to repair damaged teeth, improve your oral health, and enhance your smile. When a tooth is broken, decayed, or badly damaged, a dental crown can restore its function and appearance.
What Is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a natural-looking porcelain covering that is permanently placed over a tooth to protect it and improve its shape, size, and appearance. A ceramic crown is matched to the color of your natural teeth and may include other materials underneath such as metal alloys or zirconia. Strong, stable, and attractive, dental crowns can last for 15 years or more.
Why Would I Need A Crown?
Dental crowns are typically used in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. They significantly improve the functionality of damaged teeth, which can make chewing easier and more comfortable. Crowns may be used to:
- Replace large fillings
- Prevent weak or decayed teeth from cracking or breaking
- Restore fractured, decayed, or severely worn teeth
- Cover a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy
- Attach a dental bridge
- Restore dental implants
- Protect teeth under heavy biting stress
- Improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen teeth
- Even out your smile line
- Align your bite
The Dental Crown Procedure
Dental crowns usually require two dental visits. At the first appointment, your dentist examines the tooth and takes x-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone. If a tooth is infected, severely decayed, or if there is a risk of injury to the pulp, root canal therapy may be required before the crown can be placed.
To prepare your tooth for the crown, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic. Any decay is removed and the tooth is shaped and prepared. Impressions of your tooth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where a skilled, highly-trained technician creates a durable, lifelike crown that fits precisely over your tooth. A temporary crown will be placed to ensure your tooth is protected until the permanent crown returns from the lab.
In 2-3 weeks you’ll return to our office to have your new crown permanently cemented. Your dentist will check the crown's color and fit and make any necessary adjustments. If all is well, your crown will be permanently cemented into place.
Caring For Your Dental Crown
A consistent oral hygiene routine and proper care can keep your crown looking and feeling good. Brushing twice a day and daily flossing are essential to maintaining your oral health and keeping dental restorations strong and functional. Visiting your dentist for regular dental cleanings and checkups at least every six months can also help keep dental crowns and teeth in tip-top shape. Although crowns function like natural teeth, it’s important to treat them with care to avoid weakening or cracking them. If you have a dental crown, you should avoid:
- Crunching on ice
- Biting your fingernails
- Using teeth to open bottles or packaging
If you suffer from bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth), a custom-made nightguard can help protect dental crowns and teeth from breaking or becoming worn. You can wear this oral appliance any time you notice that you’re clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth.
Contact Us To Learn More About Dental Crowns
Our team at Sikora Family Dentistry understands that each patient has their own unique needs. We’re dedicated to helping you find dental health solutions that enhance your smile and improve your oral health. Conveniently located in North Olmsted, OH, our dentists serve families in the Cleveland metro area, including Fairview Park, Olmsted Falls, Rocky River, and Westlake. To learn more about dental crowns and the other services we offer, contact us online or call our office at 440-779-8730 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving all your dental care needs.