Dental Crowns

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown acts as a protective overlay for a tooth, designed to cover and encase the entire visible part of the tooth above the gum line. In our practice, we recommend dental crowns for their dual purpose: they not only strengthen a compromised tooth but also enhance its appearance. Crafted from materials that closely mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, crowns are a preferred solution for restoring dental health and aesthetics.

Why Would I Need a Dental Crown?

Dental caps are typically recommended for teeth that have been significantly weakened by decay, damage, or as a part of root canal therapy. The primary goal is to reinforce the structural integrity of the tooth, ensuring its functionality and longevity. Our practice identifies the need for a crown when a tooth cannot be adequately restored with a simple filling, providing a durable solution for maintaining oral health.

What are the Benefits of a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns offer several key benefits, making them an essential component of dental care:

• Restoration of Strength: They effectively restore the strength of teeth that have been weakened by decay or injury.
• Aesthetic Improvement: Crowns are instrumental in correcting discolorations and improving the overall appearance of your smile.
• Protection: Following procedures like root canal therapy, crowns act as a sealant to protect the tooth from future damage or infection.

By addressing a wide array of dental issues with crowns, our practice ensures patients achieve both functional and cosmetic improvements to their dental health.

What are the Types of Dental Crowns?

Our practice offers two main types of dental crowns: ceramic and gold. Ceramic dental crowns are favored for their natural appearance, making them an ideal choice for front teeth restorations. Gold teeth crowns, on the other hand, are valued for their durability and strength, often recommended for back teeth where the forces from chewing and grinding are greatest.

What’s Involved in the Dental Crown Procedure?

The dental crown procedure at our practice is meticulously planned to ensure patient comfort and optimal outcomes, typically requiring two appointments:

• First Appointment: The tooth is numbed, prepared through reduction, and a digital impression is taken. A temporary crown is then placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being crafted.
• Second Appointment: About two weeks later, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is adjusted, ensuring a perfect fit and bite alignment before being cemented into place.

Our approach is designed to minimize discomfort, closely resembling the experience of receiving a filling.

Is It Painful to Get a Dental Crown?

Receiving a tooth crown is generally not much different than undergoing a filling. Our practice prioritizes patient comfort, utilizing local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience during the tooth preparation and crown placement process.

How Do I Need to Care for My Crown?

Caring for a dental crown involves the same practices as caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to maintain both the health of the underlying tooth and the crown itself. Proper oral hygiene, along with routine dental check-ups, can significantly extend the life of your crown.

How Long Do Crowns Last?

The longevity of a crown for your teeth depends largely on individual home care practices. With proper care, crowns can last anywhere from 7 to over 30 years. Our practice has observed crowns lasting for decades when patients adhere to good oral hygiene routines and regular dental visits, emphasizing the importance of care in the longevity of these restorations.

Ready to Revitalize Your Smile?

At Scholes Family Dental in Coeur d’Alene, ID, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality dental crown services. Understanding the importance of both functionality and aesthetics, we tailor our treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring a seamless blend of health and beauty. If you believe a dental crown might be right for you, or if you have any further questions about the process, we encourage you to contact us. Let us help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted with the care and expertise you deserve.