Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth to restore its shape, size, and appearance. This restoration is cemented into place by the dentist in The Dalles, OR for lasting results.

What are the benefits of a dental crown?

A dental crown is a durable, natural-looking restoration that can help restore your smile’s function and appearance. When you have a missing tooth or a tooth with a large filling, replacing it with a crown will help improve your bite by preventing the teeth on either side from shifting out of their correct position. It can also prevent the teeth above your missing tooth from drifting down to take the place of your missing tooth. A crown can also be used by the dentist in The Dalles, OR, to improve the appearance of your smile by covering teeth that are misshapen, discolored, or have large fillings. 

When are dental crowns recommended?

A crown is an ideal restoration for a tooth that is severely decayed, broken, or cracked, has a large filling that is failing or has had a root canal. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, it is essential to visit our office as soon as possible to prevent more extensive damage from occurring. Once your tooth has sustained damage, it is at risk of becoming infected and requiring extraction. However, our best dentist in The Dalles, OR, can restore the tooth with a custom-made porcelain crown to protect it from chips and cracks in the future. This will not only allow you to chew your food properly, but the crown will also prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of place and causing misalignment issues.

How are dental crowns placed?

Before placing a dental crown, the dentist in The Dalles, OR, will numb your tooth and gums around the affected area. We will remove any decayed or weakened portions of your tooth before fabricating the dental crown. The crown will be custom-made to fit your mouth to ensure comfort and proper function. Finally, the crown will be placed with permanent cement. You may need to return to our dental office for a follow-up appointment to ensure your bite feels balanced and comfortable. 

How long do dental crowns last?

The lifespan of a crown depends on a lot of things, including what materials were used to make it and how well you care for it. On average, dental crowns typically last anywhere from five to fifteen years. That’s a long time, considering how long it takes most normal teeth to decay! So it’s important that you follow all instructions provided by our dentist in The Dalles, OR, after you receive the crown in order to keep it in good condition for as long as possible.

Columbia View Dental is dedicated to providing you with safe, effective, and quality treatment. Contact our best dentist in The Dalles, OR, today at (541)296-5677 to learn more about our dental treatments. Get all your questions answered at Columbia View Dental, 1915 E 19th St, The Dalles, OR, 97058.