Posted by Victor Cullen on Jun 11 2024, 07:06 AM
Dental crowns are crucial inmaintainingoral health by addressing various dental concerns and restoring function and aesthetics. By encasing damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth, crowns protect against further damage or decay, preserving the natural tooth structure and preventing the need for extraction. Additionally, crowns restore dental functionality, enabling comfortable chewing and speaking whilemaintainingproper bite alignment. Furthermore, crowns improve self-confidence and overall well-being by enhancing the smile's appearance. Overall, dental crowns are essential to restorative dentistry, helping preserve oral health, restore dental function, and promote long-term dental stability.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and oral health todetermineif a dental crown is necessary. X-rays may be taken to assess the extent of damage or decay.
If a dental crown isdeemednecessary, the affected tooth will be prepared by removing any decay or damage and reshaping it to accommodate the crown.
Dental putty or digital scanning technology creates an impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This impression creates a custom-made crown that fits perfectly over the prepared tooth.
While your permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown may be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it.
Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit, color, and appearance of the new crown. Adjustments may be made as needed to ensure a perfect fit.
Once satisfied with the fit and appearance, the permanent crown is cemented or bonded into place using dental adhesive. Any excess cement is removed, and the crown is polished to a smooth finish.
Your dentist will provide instructions on caring for your new crown, including proper oral hygienepracticesand avoiding certain foods or activities that may damage the crown.
A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to ensure that the crown functions correctly and address any concerns or issues.
The Impact of Dental Crowns on Oral Health
Protection of Weak Teeth
Dental crowns protect weakened teeth damaged by decay, trauma, or extensive dental procedures such as root canals. Crowns help prevent further damage or fracture by encasing the tooth, preserving the natural tooth structure, and preventing extraction.
Restoration of Functionality
Teeth that are weakened or damaged mayexperience difficultyin chewing or biting. Dental crowns restore the functionality of these teeth by providing a durable and stable biting surface, allowing patients to eat comfortably andmaintaina balanced diet.
Prevention of Tooth Decay
Dental crowns cover the entire visibleportionof a tooth above the gum line, sealing off any cracks, crevices, or areas of vulnerability where bacteria can accumulate and cause decay. By providing a protective barrier, crowns help prevent tooth decay and the development of cavities.
Maintenance of Proper Bite Alignment
A missing or damaged tooth can disrupt the alignment of the bite, leading to jaw pain, headaches, and uneven wear on the remaining teeth. Dental crowns restore the natural shape and size of the tooth, helpingmaintainproper bite alignment and preventing potential complications associated with misalignment.
Support for Dental Bridges and Implants
Dental crowns are often used to support dental bridges, which replace one or more missing teeth, or dental implants, which replace a single missing tooth. Crowns are placed over the abutment teeth or implants, providing stability and anchorage for the prosthetic restoration, thus restoring both function and aesthetics.
Enhancement of Aesthetics
In addition to their functional benefits, dental crowns also significantly improve the smile's aesthetics. Crowns can be customized to match the color, shape, and size of natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking restoration that enhances the smile's overall appearance.
Caring for Your Dental Crowns
Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles around your dental crowns. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to avoid damaging the crown or surrounding teeth.
When brushing your teeth, pay special attention to the area around your dental crowns, including the gum line. Use gentle, circular motions to clean the crown thoroughly without irritating the gums.
Refrain from chewing on hard objects such as ice, hard candies, or pens, as well as sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum.These can cause damage to your dental crowns or dislodge them from your teeth.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your dental crowns from excessive wear and damage. Your dentist can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard foroptimalprotection.
Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings to ensure the health and stability of your dental crowns. Your dentist will examine your crowns for signs of wear, damage, or other issues and address them promptly.
While dental crowns resist staining, they do not respond to teeth whitening treatments like natural teeth. Avoid whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter whitening products on your dental crowns, as they can cause uneven coloration or damage to the crown material.
Smoking can contribute to the discoloration and deterioration of dental crowns over time. Quitting smoking can help preserve the appearance and longevity of your dental crowns and improve your oral health.
Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support healthy teeth and gums. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay and damage to your dental crowns.
The dental crown procedure is a common and effective treatment for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. It provides long-lasting results that blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Visit Columbia View Dental at 1915 E 19th St, Columbia View Dental 97058, or call (541) 296-5677 to restore your smile and improve your overall oral health with dental crowns.
1915 E 19th St, Columbia View Dental 97058
Email: columbiaviewdent@gmail.com
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