Dental Crowns
When your teeth get damaged or need major repairs, the best way to protect them is with dental crowns in Houston. Your dentist will let you know when it’s a good idea to add a crown, taking all the guesswork out of the equation.
At Restore Dental, we want to help preserve your winning smile and keep you feeling your very best always. That’s why we recommend dental crowns whenever teeth need more than a little extra support and protection.
Regular dental care is key in knowing just when to get crowns fitted on your teeth. Here’s what you need to know about this important procedure.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are protective caps placed over teeth that have been damaged. They’re also useful after getting major repairs done, like root canals. They’re usually made from resin or porcelain and designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
The crown completely covers the tooth structure, effectively acting like a shield for years to come. The crown serves as the physical structure of the tooth underneath. With the crown in place, you can chew your food without worrying about further damaging the tooth in question.
Dental crowns don’t just protect the teeth either. They’re great for restoring the natural look of your damaged tooth. You wouldn’t be able to spot the crown at a glance, helping restore your brilliant smile.
When to Get Crowns Put on Your Teeth
The most common reasons dentists suggest putting dental crowns on your teeth are:
- After root canal therapy
- Severe tooth decay
- Tooth breakage
- Excessive tooth wear
- Cosmetic upgrade
Dental crowns are also used to hold dental bridges in place and cover implants.
Your dentist will let you know when they recommend a dental crown for your damaged or recently repaired tooth. They’ll discuss all the pros and cons of making that move, too, so you can go into the process well-informed. If you have any questions, please feel free to let your dentist know and they’ll do all they can to address your concerns.
What to Expect During Your Dental Crown Visit
At our Houston dental clinic, we typically place dental crowns across two visits. You’ll schedule the first visit after completing your exam or getting your teeth repaired.
At that first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth for the installation of the crown. They’ll first apply anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums in the work area. Then, they will remove any and all decay before shaving down the tooth to fit the crown.
Once that work is done, you’ll have impressions done with either a mold or digital scanning device. The impressions allow the lab to build the crown to perfectly fit over the tooth and complement your natural teeth. Your dentist will fit a temporary crown over your tooth for a little bit of extra protection while you wait for the lab to create the permanent crown.
About two weeks later, you’ll come into the clinic for your second dental crown visit. At this appointment, your dentist will take the temporary crown off your tooth and inspect its structure. Then, they will put the custom-made crown in place, ensuring that it fits just right and looks fantastic. If all is well, they’ll permanently cement the custom dental crown to your tooth.
Ready to schedule your first visit to our dental clinic? Simply give our team a call at 281-768-8944. We look forward to helping you find a great time to come in and get all the care you need.