A radiant smile is more than just an aesthetic asset; it’s a window to your overall health and well-being. Yet, time, wear, and unforeseen circumstances can chip away at the structural integrity and beauty of your teeth. This is where dental crowns, the unsung heroes of restorative dentistry, step in. Leading dentists in Graham, Puyallup, and Tacoma reveal that dental crowns not only restore function and appearance but also offer protection and longevity for damaged teeth.
In this blog post by Meridian South Family Dentistry, we’ll explore the essential factors to consider before opting for dental crowns, including procedure, cost, types, benefits, and more.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, or simply teeth crowns or caps, are the original chameleons of dentistry. Picture a custom-made crown for your tooth, painstakingly created by a skilled dental technician. They aren’t for royalty alone; these crowns actually form quite powerful armaments used in restorative dentistry to sort out a versatile slate of dental issues.
Imagine your tooth anatomy as a castle. The enamel is, of course, the strong and defensive walls from the outer layer of teeth. The secure heart of the castle is the inner dentin and pulp. This combination gives support and sensation to the teeth. But what if a deep cavity, a nasty crack, or extensive wear pierced your castle walls? This is where dental crowns step into the fray as valiant knights in shining armor.
According to the leading restorative dentistry experts in Graham, dental crowns are an effective solution to different dental problems and are applied not only to restructure the integrity of the teeth but also to enhance the beauty of your smile.
They can be made of different materials with their own particular strengths and aesthetic qualities. A reputed dentist from credible firms like Meridian South Family Dentistry will carefully consider the situation to recommend the most appropriate material for your case. For example, porcelain crowns are known for their lifelike translucency, thereby matching them perfectly with the color of your surrounding teeth. Then again, there are the metal crowns, which put realistic emphasis on plain strength and durability—making them fit for applications such as heavily stressed molars.
Signs You Might Need a Dental Crown
There will be several telltale signs that may indicate the need for a dental crown. Some of the key factors to consider include:
1. Fractured or Cracked Teeth
A deep crack or fracture in a tooth compromises its integrity and increases the risk of further damage. A crown acts as a protective shield, strengthening the tooth to prevent further breakage.
2. Large Cavities
Leading dentists in Tacoma reveal that in the case of extensive decay, very little healthy tooth structure remains. In such situations, a filling alone might not be enough to hold the tooth together. A crown provides the needed strength and support to prevent the compromised tooth from fracturing.
3. Root Canal Treatment
A tooth after a root canal becomes brittle due to the loss of the blood supply. A crown protects the weakened tooth structure from fracturing and other further complications.
4. Cosmetic Concerns
Foul-colored, misshapen, or extremely worn teeth are most repulsive to the smile. According to the top cosmetic dentistry specialists in Puyallup, dental crowns can beautify your teeth. They are normally made of porcelain to resemble a natural appearance.
Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns
Pros of Dental Crowns
1. Durability and Strength
Dental crowns are incredibly strong and resilient. They effectively restore the functionality of a compromised tooth and allow you to chew with confidence.
2. Improved Aesthetics:
Crowns can be made in different colors and shapes to blend with the adjacent teeth, providing an ideal smile.
3. Protection:
According to the leading restorative dentistry experts in Tacoma, dental crowns protect the underlying tooth structure from further damage and decay.
4. Versatility:
Dental crowns can address all kinds of dental problems, from structural weaknesses to esthetic flawpus.
Cons of Dental Crowns
1. Cost
Dental crowns are a more complex procedure than fillings, and the cost reflects this. Yet, the advantages gained usually surpass the cost incurred in the short term.
2. Irreversible Procedure:
According to the most popular dentists in Graham, substantial amounts of the tooth’s enamel must be removed when a crown is placed. This is an irreversible process.
3. Sensitivity:
Some people may be slightly sensitive immediately after crowning, but this is very transitory and generally resolves over a period of days.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be made of different materials, all having their own advantages and recommended uses. Here are the most common ones:
1. Porcelain Crowns:
Porcelain crowns are very popular because of their natural look. They match the translucency and color of natural teeth, making them perfect for use on front teeth or any other visible areas. Such crowns are also biocompatible, so the occurrence of allergy cases is minimal.
2. Ceramic Crowns:
Ceramic crowns are natural-looking, like porcelain crowns, and very hard-wearing. According to the top dentists in Tacoma, since they combine appearance and strength, they are used on both front and back teeth.
3. Metal Crowns:
Metal crowns manufactured from alloys like gold, palladium, or nickel produce strong and hard-wearing restorations. They have less potential for chipping or breaking and require less removal of natural tooth structure. Due to their metallic color, they are more suitable for molars or teeth that are not so visible to the eyes.
4. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns:
PFM crowns possess the strength of metal and the cosmetic advantage of porcelain. A metal underlay provides a strong base, while a porcelain overlay gives it the appearance of being natural. Again, such crowns are versatile for both front and back teeth.
5. Zirconia Crowns:
Zirconia crowns are ultra-strong and exceptionally hard, so they are indicated in any patient needing a solid restoration. Leading cosmetic and restorative dentistry experts in Puyallup reveal that they also provide an extremely natural appearance, and the color can be matched with surrounding teeth.
What to Consider Before Getting Dental Crowns
You must ensure that you have made a well-informed decision regarding dental care. Among the major factors to consider before getting dental crowns are:
1. Severity of the Damage:
According to the leading oral hygiene and dental health experts in Graham, the extent of damage your tooth has sustained will dictate whether a dental crown is the best option. Your dentist will assess your condition with care and let you know if a better alternative exists.
2. Material Selection:
Different materials used in the dental crown have various advantages and disadvantages. Porcelain crowns can appear very natural, and metal crowns can withstand excellent strength. Your dentist will instruct you based on your unique needs and preferences.
3. Dental Habits:
While dental crowns are very durable, certain habits can indeed cause a crown to crack or break. If you grind your teeth, meaning that you have bruxism, or constantly chew on hard objects like ice, your dentist may want to give you a nightguard to protect the crown and reduce your chances of complications. Top cosmetic dentistry specialists in Puyallup reveal that it’s important to be open and honest about your dental habits so your dentist can take precautions to ensure the longevity of your crown.
4. Experience of the Dentist:
One of the most critical factors contributing to the success of a crown placement procedure is the skill of your dentist. In that respect, Meridian South Family Dentistry is second to none, with our highly qualified and experienced dentists in Graham, Puyallup, Tacoma, and nearby locations adept at intricate restorative procedures such as crown placements.
5. Dental Insurance:
Most dental insurance plans cover a part of the fee for dental crowns. Your insurance package will detail your coverage, which you can look up to receive an idea of your share of the payment.
If you want more information or have further questions on dental crowns, then contact Meridian South Family Dentistry anytime. Our patient-focused philosophy is the center of who we are: committed to patient care and keeping up with the most advanced and progressive dental practices, which ensures you, our patient, will receive the finest possible care for all your needs. Want a healthy smile? Want a confident smile? Call us today at 253 847-4388 to schedule a consultation.
The Procedure Involved
Getting a dental crown takes a few steps, spread over two visits to the dentist. Here’s what the procedure at Meridian South Family Dentistry looks like:
1. Initial Consultation and Examination:
Our dentist will examine your teeth during your first visit and decide whether a crown is the best solution. The condition of the tooth and the surrounding bone structure might need to be checked with an X-ray.
2. Tooth Preparation:
Next, our cosmetic dentist will anesthetize the area with local anesthesia if a crown is deemed necessary. Then, the tooth is shaped and filed down to make space for the crown. If much of the tooth is missing, the dentist may build up the tooth with filling material to hold the crown on adequately.
3. Impression and Temporary Crown:
After the tooth has been shaped, we’ll take an impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. The impression is sent to a dental lab where the crown is custom-made. Until the permanent crown is made, the prepared tooth will be fitted with a temporary crown to protect it.
4. Crowns Placement:
On the second visit, we’ll remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent one. If necessary, adjustments will be made to achieve a perfect fit. When satisfied with the fit, we’ll use dental cement to bond the crown onto the prepared tooth.
5. Adjustments Final and Follow-up
When the crown is fitted, our dentist will check your bite again and make final adjustments. The dentist may then schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the crown is working well and there are no problems.
Knowing the different kinds of dental crowns and the process will help you make sound decisions regarding dental care. Our team at Meridian South Family Dentistry will walk you through all the steps of the treatment and provide you with the best possible treatment for your needs. Reach out to us today with inquiries about our dental crown services and schedule your consultation.
Final Takeaway
A dental crown, when in the hands of a professional dentist, is a very effective tool that gives solutions to many different dental problems. If you have any of these signs or are simply concerned with the health or appearance of your teeth, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a trusted dentist. Meridian South Family Dentistry is committed to the maintenance of complete dental crown care and the achievement of optimum health for all its patients in Graham, Tacoma, Puyallup, and nearby locations. We aim to provide top-quality, personalized dental care using the most advanced technology in a friendly, relaxed environment. We strongly believe in patient education to ensure the treatment options are made available to you for proper decisions about your smile.
Our services are not limited only to dental crowns; we do so much more within the sphere of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to meet your needs. From routine cleanings and check-ups to state-of-the-art restorative treatments like tooth implants and crowns, our team does its best every day to ensure you get the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
At Meridian South Family Dentistry, we believe in a patient-driven approach to dental care. Your comfort and satisfaction are of concern to us. We use state-of-the-art dental technologies and techniques to treat you with the care you deserve. Guiding principles of integrity, compassion, and excellence are followed through on every interaction to ensure you get personal attention and the highest standard of dental care.
Call us today at 253-847-4388 to schedule a consultation and discuss with one of our dentists how dental crowns can restore strength, function, and beauty to your smile. Let Meridian South Family Dentistry be your partner in achieving optimum oral health and a shining smile.
