Dental crowns are a standard restorative dentistry treatment we offer patients for functional and aesthetic solutions. They are available in several materials, each with its pros and cons. Placing a tooth crown will involve two visits to the dentist. Flower Mound Family Dentistry will provide you a dental crown in Flower Mound, TX to help you get a healthier, more confident smile.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap your dentist will place over a damaged tooth. It will resemble the former tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength and improve its appearance. After we cement the crown into place, it fully encases the visible portion of the tooth. The restoration is custom-created from dental impressions to fit perfectly.
Dental Crown Uses
Dental crowns are versatile and used to ensure your teeth function properly and stay healthy.
Restoring Damaged or Decayed Teeth
One of the most common uses of dental crowns is to restore teeth that have been severely decayed or damaged. When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but still has enough structure left to save, a dental crown can be placed over it. The crown covers the entire tooth, protecting it from further damage and preventing the need for extraction. Crowns are made from durable materials that mimic the strength and function of a natural tooth, allowing you to continue chewing and speaking normally.
Protecting Weakened Teeth
Teeth that have become weakened due to wear, fractures, or large fillings are at risk of breaking or cracking under pressure. A crown can be placed over these teeth to provide extra strength and stability, preventing them from further damage. This is especially important for back teeth (molars), which handle the most pressure during chewing. With a crown, your weakened tooth is supported and protected, helping to keep it intact for longer.
After Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is often needed when a tooth’s pulp (the innermost part) becomes infected. After the infection is removed and the tooth is cleaned and sealed, the tooth can become more fragile and prone to damage. In these cases, a dental crown protects the treated tooth and restores its strength. Crowns placed after a root canal help preserve the tooth and make it functional again, allowing you to chew normally without worrying about further damage.
Improving the Appearance of Misshapen or Stained Teeth
Dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes. If you have a tooth that is misshapen, discolored, or unusually large, a crown can help improve its appearance. Crowns are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring that the restored tooth blends in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. This makes crowns an excellent solution for people who want to enhance the look of their smile while also improving the function of their teeth.
Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Bridges
When a tooth is missing, a dental crown can be part of a dental bridge to fill the gap. A dental bridge consists of a false tooth (pontic) anchored in place by crowns placed on the surrounding teeth. The crowns on the neighboring teeth support the pontic, allowing the bridge to function like a natural tooth. This is a common solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile’s appearance and function.
Supporting Dental Implants
Dental crowns are also used to restore the appearance and function of dental implants. After a dental implant is placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth, a crown is attached to the top of the implant. This crown mimics the look and function of a natural tooth, giving you a complete and functional smile. Dental implants with crowns are a long-lasting solution for people with missing teeth, offering cosmetic and functional benefits.
The Dental Crown Procedure
The dental crown procedure generally involves two visits to our Flower Mound, Texas dental office. During your first appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth. We will first numb the area for your comfort, then reduce the tooth size to create room for the cap.
Once your tooth is ready, we will take several dental impressions. We will send one to a dental lab where they will create your custom tooth crown. We will use a mold of your tooth to make a temporary dental crown. You will wear this until your permanent one is ready.
In about 2-3 weeks, you will return to our office, where we will set your permanent dental crown. Our dentist will remove the temporary crown and clean your tooth in preparation for the final crown. Then, they will cement the permanent dental crown to the tooth.
Aftercare Instructions
After getting a dental crown, it’s vital to maintain good oral hygiene. This will help maintain the crown’s longevity. The better you care for your teeth and gums, the longer it will last. The average dental crown lasts 10 to 15 years. However, with proper care, it can last decades. Proper care involves daily brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental checkups. Be sure to floss around the crown every single day.
Dental Crown FAQs
Learn more about dental crown treatment in Flower Mound, TX, with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Do dental crowns hurt?
Dental crowns usually don’t hurt. Our dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic when you get a crown, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure.
After the crown is placed, you may feel sensitivity for a few days, especially when eating hot or cold foods. This is normal and should go away soon. If you have any pain that lasts longer or feels intense, it’s important to contact your dentist to make sure everything is okay.
Do crowns look natural?
Yes, dental crowns are designed to look natural. Dentists use materials like porcelain that match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, helping the crown blend in with the rest of your smile. Our dentist will work with you to ensure the crown looks and feels right. They will match it to the color of your other teeth and shape it to fit perfectly in your mouth. With modern technology and materials, most people won’t even notice you have a crown.
Can dental crowns treat missing teeth?
A dental crown alone cannot replace a missing tooth, but it can be part of a treatment to fill the gap. We use a dental implant to replace a single missing tooth root. Then, we place a crown on top of the implant to restore the look and function of your tooth. If you have a gap from a missing tooth, a crown can be part of a dental bridge. Crowns are placed on the teeth next to the gap to support the bridge, filling the missing tooth space.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Yes, most of the time, you will need a crown after a root canal. A root canal removes the infected or damaged tissue inside your tooth, weakening the tooth. A crown helps protect the tooth from breaking and restores its shape and strength. Without a crown, the tooth might not last as long. Your dentist will recommend a crown to ensure the tooth stays strong and works properly.
Can I brush and floss my crown normally?
Yes, you can brush and floss your crown normally. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. When flossing, be gentle around the crown to avoid damaging it. Make sure to floss carefully to clean between your teeth and around the crown. Proper care will help keep your crown and teeth healthy for a long time.
What do I do if my crown breaks?
If your crown breaks, don’t panic. First, if you can find the broken pieces, keep them safe and bring them to our dentist. Try not to chew on the broken crown or put pressure on it. This will prevent further damage to the tooth. We can help you schedule an appointment to check the crown and decide if it can be repaired or if a new one is needed.
How do you care for a temporary dental crown?
Caring for a temporary dental crown ensures it stays in place until your permanent crown is ready. First, avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods, especially on the side with the temporary crown. This helps prevent it from loosening or breaking. Brush your teeth as usual, but be gentle around the temporary crown. Use a soft toothbrush and avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent the crown from coming loose.
When you floss, be gentle around the crown. Try not to pull the floss up forcefully, as this can cause the crown to come off. Instead, slide the floss gently in and out. Also, sticky foods, like chewing gum or caramel, can pull off the temporary crown. Avoid them until you get your permanent crown.
How much does a dental crown cost?
The cost of your crown will depend on the number of crowns and crown material. Your dental insurance may cover part of the cost. Our dental office works with Care Credit and Alphaeon to ensure you get affordable crowns.
Schedule a Consultation
A tooth crown is a versatile dental restoration that can effectively restore your tooth’s function and appearance. Dr. Gray can provide you with a dental crown in Flower Mound, TX, if you have oral health challenges or want to enhance the appearance of your tooth. To book a consultation, call 972-848-8745 or request an appointment online.