Dental Crowns – Wylie, TX
Have a Broken Tooth? We Can Repair It
A dental crown can be used for multiple purposes. Sometimes it might be placed to restore the shape and strength of a tooth that was damaged. At other times it may be a necessary part of the root canal process. And in some cases, it might simply be used to improve a tooth’s appearance. No matter the reason you need a dental crown, Dr. Morton can provide you with a restoration you can depend on. Call us if you’d like to set up an appointment to ask about getting a crown.
Why Choose Wylie Family Dentistry for Dental Crowns?
- Fully Customized, Realistic-Looking Crowns
- Over a Decade of Improving and Protecting Smiles
- Dentist and Team Members That Care
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are among the most well-known types of dental restorations. The purpose of a crown is to completely cover a tooth, which protects it from further harm and also allows it to continue functioning normally (meaning you can still use it for chewing).
One thing to note about dental crowns is that they’re made with different kinds of materials. Some are made of gold, but others consist of zirconia or porcelain, which can both be customized to resemble tooth enamel, allowing your restoration to look like a natural part of your grin.
The Dental Crown Process
We’ll begin by examining your mouth and taking X-rays of both the tooth and the surrounding bone. This is done to determine whether you may need root canal therapy before having a crown placed. If not, we can move on to the preparation step.
To create room for the crown, a bit of enamel will be taken off the top and sides of your tooth. The exact amount of enamel removed can vary based on what kind of crown you get.
Once we’re sure that the tooth is ready, we will take an impression of your mouth. Both arches are included in the impression; this is done to ensure that your bite is still properly aligned after the crown has been placed.
The impression will be sent to a laboratory, and you’ll be given a temporary crown to keep your tooth safe. After a couple of weeks or so, your permanent crown will be ready, and you can come to our office to have it attached to the tooth.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
- You can keep using the tooth that was restored with a dental crown to chew all kinds of foods without issue.
- Crowns are quite durable, and they’re very easy to care for, which helps them last for years at a time.
- If your crown is made out of porcelain, it will be able to resist stains better than your natural teeth.
- Crowns are very comfortable, and unlike dentures, you don’t have to worry about them slipping.
- A natural-looking crown that covers a noticeably damaged tooth can give your self-esteem a boost.
Dental Crown FAQs
Have you been told that you need a new dental crown? You may still have some unanswered questions, so we’re here to help. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental crowns in Wylie. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, just give us a call. We’d be happy to walk you through the process of your treatment.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
While they technically aren’t permanent, dental crowns are a long-term solution. On average, they can protect your teeth for anywhere between 5 to 15 years. When your dentist reshapes your tooth for a crown, the procedure is irreversible. Tooth enamel does not grow back after it has been lost, so the tooth will always need to be protected with a crown moving forward. That being said, crowns protect the underlying teeth from additional damage, therefore helping them to survive much longer than they likely would have otherwise.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
It is impossible for a crown itself to develop cavities, but the tooth underneath it still can. In fact, a crowned tooth has about the same risk of decay as an uncrowned tooth. Poor oral hygiene makes it possible for bacteria to travel underneath the crown and wreak havoc on the tooth. Fortunately, you can prevent cavities in crowned teeth the same way you prevent them in any other tooth. Brush, floss, and see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
Just like when you get a filling, your dentist will numb the tooth that they will be working on when you get a crown. While the procedure itself shouldn’t be uncomfortable, you may experience some sensitivity afterward for a few days, especially if you have also undergone a root canal. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If discomfort persists or worsens, give us a call.
Do Dental Crowns Feel Natural?
Within a few days of receiving your permanent dental crown, it should start to feel increasingly natural. Crowns are made from durable materials that can stand up to everyday chewing forces just as easily as tooth enamel, so eating with your crown shouldn’t feel strange. The reason that your dentist reshaped your tooth was to ensure the crown would fit comfortably within the mouth. Additionally, every crown is custom-made based on impressions taken of the tooth. Ultimately, your crown shouldn’t feel awkward or noticeable.