Dental Crowns 101: All You Need To Know
Your teeth allow you to smile, communicate with others, chew food, and shape your face. If your teeth are broken, weakened by decay or a large filling, they may affect your appearance and dental health. We offer different dental solutions such as dental crowns St. Cloud MN to strengthen your weak teeth. These crowns improve your teeth and enhance their appearance.
We also have pediatric dental crowns for children to prevent tooth decay and preserve the primary teeth. Children have difficulty observing daily hygiene, which causes tooth decay on the baby teeth. Keep in mind the primary teeth maintain the dental structure, and any premature loss may affect bone growth and permanent teeth.
When are the Crowns Used?
Our dentist St. Cloud, MN uses dental crowns to strengthen your weak teeth. However, the crowns can be used to correct other dental imperfections such as:
- Restore a broken tooth or a worn-out one.
- Support a dental bridge.
- Cover an open tooth.
- Protect a dental implant
- Make a cosmetic modification
What Are The Types Available?
Different dental crowns are available, and they include:
- Metal such as platinum, gold, and nickel-chromium. Metal is durable and withstands pressure from biting and chewing, making them deal for molars.
- Stainless steel crowns are used for temporary measures as you wait for your permanent crowns to be made. These crowns are ideal for children as they don’t need a lengthy procedure. Plus, they fall off with the primary teeth and do not need a replacement.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are durable and created to match with the color of the surrounding teeth making it undetectable.
- Ceramic crowns are ideal if you have metal allergies. They also fit in the mouth naturally. The colors of the ceramic dental crown are close to the shade of your natural tooth.
What is the Procedure of Dental Crowning
Dental crowning in St. Cloud clinic is in two dental visits in a few steps to be fixed
First Appointment
Our dentist at St Cloud MN will examine your teeth and dental structure. Our dentist may perform a root canal if there is tooth decay or a likelihood of an infection. Your teeth and the gum are numbed with anesthesia.
Next, your teeth are filed down along your chewing surfaces and the sides to create room for the crown. Once the tooth is re-shaped, our Sauk Rapids dentist will make an impression of the tooth to receive the crown. Your dental impression is made from a mold or digitally by scanning the tooth.
The dental team makes a temporary dental crown to protect and covers the prepared tooth as the dentist creates the permanent crown. You will wait for at least two weeks before your next appointment.
- Second Appointment
During the second appointment, our dentist will remove the temporary crown, check the fit, and color the permanent crown. If all is well, the dentist applies a local anesthetic to numb the tooth. The new dental crown is cemented permanently on the same day.
How Can You Care for Your Temporary Crowns
Temporary crowns are a short-term solution, but it is important to take care of them until you get your permanent crowns. It is important to avoid eating sticky foods that can potentially pull dental crowns.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are not permanent, but with proper care, they can last between 15 years. However, the duration the crown lasts will depend on the type used, as explained earlier. Follow the special dental instructions for the crown to serve you as listed below:
- Visit a dentist near you regularly
- Brush and floss teeth twice daily
- Avoid hard food and sticky foods such as nuts and chewing gums
- Avoid sticky food such as chewing gum
Schedule Appointment
Take charge of your dental health. At Smile City, we are a patient-oriented office, and your oral health is our priority. Visit our facility for dental crowns and get advice on caring for your newly crowned teeth.