If your smile isn’t living up to your standards, and you’re seeking a cosmetic or restorative solution, your dentist might recommend dental crowns. If you’re unfamiliar with these devices, you may not know what they entail and when you should get one. The following guide offers an introduction into crowns, so you can move forward with peace of mind and clarity.  

A Guide to Dental Crowns

What Is a Crown?

These prosthetic pieces are caps that sit on top of the teeth to restore their appearance and strength. Crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth. They’re usually made of ceramic or porcelain, and your dentist will custom-design them to match the natural shape and color of your original tooth.

When Do You Need One?

Your dentist might recommend a dental crown if your tooth is significantly weak, broken, or chipped. Not only will a crown restore a tooth’s natural appearance, but it will also protect against further damage that might lead to an infection or tooth loss. Crowns are also used following a root canal procedure to reinforce the tooth’s structure. 

What Should You Expect?

Before your dentist can install the crown, they’ll need to complete a few preliminary steps. The impacted tooth will be filed down to ensure the prosthetic has enough room. You will also have to bite down on a gummy mold to get a blueprint of your tooth. This mold will be sent to a laboratory to custom-make the crown. This process takes a few weeks, during which you’ll wear a temporary crown to protect the tooth’s nerves and root. 

Once the fixture is complete, your dentist will test how it fits. Your tooth may be filed down more to ensure a seamless installation. The crown will sit flush against the surrounding teeth and on top of the impacted tooth, and it will be bonded with dental cement to ensure it doesn’t come loose.

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of dental crowns, turn to David A. Dauphin DMD in Dothan, AL. Dr. Dauphin and his team are proud to provide residents throughout Houston County with top-quality general, family, and cosmetic dentistry services. This office is dedicated to creating individualized treatment plans to boost patients’ oral hygiene. Call (334) 794-3727 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to learn more.