Dental crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps fitted on the teeth to improve the size, appearance, strength, and shape of the teeth. If you have a worn-down tooth, you can opt for a dental crown to restore the natural shape of the tooth and make it look attractive again.
Why you need dental crowns
You can get a dental crown for any of these reasons.
- Support and cover the tooth with a large filling
- Cover a dental implant
- Improve the teeth appearance
- Cover misshapen or severely stained teeth
- Protect a cracked or weak tooth from further damage
- Hold a bridge or denture in place
- Restore a worn down or broken down tooth
- Cover a tooth after root canal treatment
Dental crown preparation
Before you can get a dental crown, the dentist needs to prepare the tooth that requires dental crown placement. Your dentist will remove a small layer of your tooth’s outer surface and make the inner core of the tooth strong. The layer of the tooth that the dentist will remove will have the same thickness as the crown, which your dentist will fit over the teeth.
After reshaping the affected tooth, the dentist will take the impression of the tooth and send it to the lab, where the dental technician will make your crown. This ensures that your bite remains correct. While waiting for the permanent dental crown, the dentist will fit a temporary one, so your teeth remain functional.
When your dental crown is ready, you would have an appointment for the fitting. The dentist will fix your permanent dental crown using an adhesive material or special cement that forms a seal to hold your crown in place.
Timeline for dental crown fitting
Fitting a dental crown requires two visits. On the first visit to your dentist, they will examine your teeth to ensure you can get a crown, prepare the tooth and take your teeth impressions. The dentist will also take note of your teeth shade to make your dental crown and fit a temporary crown.
During the second visit, which is usually a week or two later, your dentist will fit the permanent crown. The dental crown can last for several years if you take proper care of it and your natural teeth.
Caring for your dental crown
Keeping your dental crown and natural teeth is important as it helps your crown last longer and prevent several dental conditions. Dental crowns cannot decay, but decay can occur around the points where the crown joins your tooth if you do not take proper care of your tooth and have a good oral hygiene routine.
Ensure you brush your teeth in the morning, when you wake up and before going to sleep using fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove food and plaques stuck between your teeth. You can also use an interdental toothbrush.
You can get a long-lasting dental crown at Tunbridge Wells Dental Care. Simply contact us on 01892 538078 or info@tunbridgewellsdentalcare.co.uk to schedule an appointment with our dental restoration specialist for your crown fitting.
