We’re lucky to live in a time where dental technology and procedures have advanced so much that there’s a fix for almost any dental issue. If you suffer damage, disease, or decay, then you don’t have to be left with gaps in your smile. One technique that can restore your smile to its full glory is the dental crown.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a prosthetic cap that is placed over a damaged tooth or an implant and cemented to the existing structure. This is typically done to strengthen the existing tooth or restore its appearance.

Dental crowns are commonly made out of porcelain or ceramic to convincingly replicate the color and appearance of natural teeth. Sometimes, gold or metal alloys are used, instead, as these are stronger materials. Alternatively, porcelain can be bonded to a metal shell of the crown to benefit from both the strength of a metal alloy and the natural appearance of porcelain.

Why you might need a dental crown

There are many situations where a dental crown could restore your smile and confidence. For example:

• If you have damaged a tooth in a car accident or something similar
• If a tooth has been weakened by tooth decay
• If you have had a large filling in a tooth
• If a tooth has become severely discolored
• If you’ve had a dental bridge that needs securing
• If you have a dental implant that needs covering

What to expect from the procedure

Your dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown due to damage or decay, for example. Or, you may request a dental crown if you want one for cosmetic purposes, to cover a discolored or misshapen tooth, for example. Either way, your dentist will first assess the tooth to make sure that a dental crown is a suitable procedure for you.

They may have to prepare the tooth in some way, depending on its condition. Fillings may be required to make the tooth viable for a crown, or they might need to file it down slightly to create the proper shape for applying a dental crown. Your dentist will then take an impression of the tooth and the ones surrounding it to create a mold for crafting the crown.

You will have to then wait for your dental crown to be made and book a second appointment to have it fitted. Your dentist may fit a temporary crown in the meantime if it is needed. Your permanent crown will then be fitted at your second appointment, where it is essentially glued to the tooth using a special dental adhesive.

You should not experience any pain during a dental crown procedure, although the tooth may feel strange after having the crown fitted. But it should not take long to get used to it, and then you’ll have a tooth that looks and feels just like normal.

If you need a dental crown procedure, then contact Advance Family Dental for our pain-free dentistry in Advance, NC.