The Basics Of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped dental prostheses that are designed to fit over your existing enamel and replace your natural tooth. Your existing tooth is trimmed, then a custom crown is built that replaces the tooth with a durable porcelain material.

The remaining tooth structure is covered all the way down to your gum line, completely covering up your tooth and ensuring that it looks and feels completely natural. With a crown from Dr. Ostromecki at The Good Dentist, you can easily repair and replace a damaged tooth and restore your smile.

Why Would I Need A Dental Crown?

Crowns are often required to treat very large cavities that are too big for fillings, or to cover up a tooth after root canal therapy is used to treat a tooth infection. Crowns may also be used to restore a cracked or broken tooth after it has been damaged by dental trauma. If you slip and break a tooth, for example, a crown may be the best solution.

More rarely, dental crowns can be used for cosmetic treatments. For example, if you have a misshapen tooth that is not suitable for a veneer, a crown may be used to cover it up and replace it, restoring the appearance of the tooth.

What To Expect From The Crown Process

At your first appointment, your tooth must be prepared. Your dentist at The Good Dentist will clean and numb your mouth, then trim away most of your tooth material using a dental drill, ensuring the crown will fit perfectly.

Then, your dentist will take images and impressions of your tooth. These are sent to a dental lab where your custom crown will be built from high-quality porcelain. You’ll go home with a temporary crown to protect your tooth.

In 2-3 weeks, your crown will arrive at our office, and you’ll come in for your last appointment. Your dentist will remove your temporary crown, clean your tooth, then check your permanent crown to ensure it fits properly. Then, it will be bonded into place, completing your procedure.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns can last 10-20 years or longer. Mostly, this depends on how well you care for your mouth. Crowns often fail if the underlying enamel begins to decay due to improper oral hygiene.

To care for your dental crown, you should treat it just like a natural tooth. This means that you should be brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing once a day to keep your mouth healthy and clean.

In addition, you need to see The Good Dentist for an appointment every six months. With a six-month cleaning and oral exam, our dentists can keep an eye on your oral health and your dental crown, and ensure your new tooth lasts as long as possible.

If you have a decayed or damaged tooth in Merton, Hartland, North Lake or Pewaukee a dental crown may be the best way to restore your smile. With a crown, you can chew normally, smile brightly, and get back to your day-to-day life. Learn more below, or call (263) 538-0892 now to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at The Good Dentist.