A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that is placed over a tooth and is used to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Unlike dentures which can be removed, your dentist will cement the crown (also called a cap) to the tooth so that it won’t come off. While there are multiple reasons why someone would need a dental crown, the most common reason is to protect and restore a damaged, broken, or weakened tooth.

From porcelain to gold, there are several types of dental crowns, but Dr. Wilson typically uses ceramic crowns. Ceramic crowns are a blend of zirconia and eMax. These metal-free crowns are ideal because their color will blend naturally to the color of your teeth.

Getting a dental crown is fairly easy and painless. After an initial evaluation to determine if getting a crown is the best course of action, Dr. Wilson will file down and remove part of the outer layer of the tooth so that the crown can properly fit over it. Next, she will make an impression of the tooth that needs the crown. While your crown is being made, she will put a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it. A lab will use the impression to make the crown and Dr. Wilson will help match the crown to the color of your teeth. Once the crown is ready, Dr. Wilson will cement the crown to your tooth.

Occasionally a dental crown will come loose or fall out, but if properly taken care of, they can last for many years. The best way to ensure dental crown longevity is to practice good dental hygiene, which includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for a routine teeth cleaning twice a year. It is also helpful to protect your dental crowns by avoiding chewy or hard foods and candy, as well as chewing on ice.

If you have a cracked or damaged tooth and think you may need a dental crown, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us at Cornerstone Family Dentistry so that we can get you evaluated and feeling great!