Millions of Americans decide to receive a dental crown every year thanks to advancements in dental technology. The procedure has become easier with long-lasting results. But, will a dental crown be the right treatment for you? Here are 7 questions to ask yourself when receiving a dental crown in El Paso, TX.
1. What is a Dental Crown?
The first thing you should know is what exactly a dental crown is. A crown is a customized cap that covers a patient’s tooth to protect it and allow you to chew properly. This dental procedure serves to restore your tooth’s shape and appearance, increase its strength, and enhance performance. The crown is cemented into place which perfectly encases the tooth for full protection.
2. How Long Does a Dental Crown Procedure Last?
Thanks to advancements in dental technology, getting a dental crown no longer takes several trips to the dentist over a period of months. Today, Pershing Family Dental works with our patients to place dental crowns in two visits. At the first appointment we prepare the tooth, take impressions of your teeth, and cement a temporary crown. On the second appointment, a permanent crown is sealed to the tooth that with proper care will last a lifetime.
3. Why Do I need a Dental Crown?
A new crown will restore strength, functionality, shape, and improve the patient’s smile and appearance. The following are situations where this dental treatment may be necessary:
- A dental crown can strengthen the structure of a weakened, decayed, or cracked tooth by holding it together and preventing it from breaking.
- It can also restore a tooth that has already broken.
- A crown can fix a tooth that has become worn down from grinding or decay.
- Repairing a tooth that has become weakened from a large filling so that there isn’t much natural tooth structure left.
- A crown can also be used as a cosmetic modification for closing gaps between teeth, or reshaping, and rotating teeth.
- Crowns are used to hold dental bridges in place.
- A crown is also used to cover a dental implant or root canal.
A dental crown will enhance the appearance of the your tooth while also protecting it from further wear and decay.
Missing teeth will eventually lead to bone recession causing the surrounding teeth to shift or rotate into the empty space. This malocclusion, or bad bite can have a negative impact on your diet and types of foods you can eat. Tooth replacement options such as a dental implant and crown, rather than leaving gaps will always be more preferable and should be discussed with the dentist.
4. Is a Dental Crown My Best Option?
When a tooth has a filling that threatens it’s integrity, has been worn down, or is very decayed, a dental crown may be your best option. If your tooth is in good shape but you want to change it’s appearance through cosmetic dentistry, a dental veneer may be your best option. Veneers are usually used for minor shaping corrections. Talking with our doctor about your personal oral healthcare needs will clarify any questions you may have.
5. Does a Dental Crown Hurt?
Many people avoid the dentist because of fear of pain with dental procedures. However, receiving a crown should be a painless process from the first visit to the last. Your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic before any preparation is done by your dentist to ensure your comfort. After the procedure, you may feel slightly numb for a day or two as it wears off. Our dentist may instruct you to take an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage the pain, or prescribe you a pain reliever.
Getting a crown is will not be painful experience thanks to the use of anesthetics and sedation, most patients feel only mild discomfort. The benefits of getting a crown far outweigh this temporary discomfort. If you do feel pain remember to alert the dental staff or dentist so they may take the proper measures to relieve it.
6. What Aftercare Is Needed?
Patients may experience some pain or discomfort in the affected area of the mouth following a dental crown procedure. This typically improves after several days without any assigned treatment or pain relievers.
You may find it useful to use simple analgesic pain relief medications to help manage the pain in the meantime. Ibuprofen is recommended to help reduce the associated pain and make the patient feel more comfortable. Topical anesthetic gel can be found at most pharmacies and is effective in pain relief. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth can also be used. If the pain continues beyond several weeks or it is severe, it may be necessary for the patient to seek dental advice from the doctor to correct the situation.
After the dental crown procedure remember to avoid hot or cold food and drinks because the numbness may not alert you to any burning and the cold can cause sensitivity or pain. The doctor will give you proper instructions for your specific needs on aftercare.
7. How Long Will a Dental Crown Last?
On average, dental crowns last between five and 15 years, but can last longer depending on how well you take care of it. Your new tooth’s longevity will depend on the amount of “wear and tear” the crown is exposed to, good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits (avoid using your tooth as a tool or grinding).
Schedule a Dental Crown Consultation in El Paso, TX
Ultimately, the choice of your whether a dental crown is the correct treatment will be a mutual decision between you and your dentist. It is important to be as informed as you can be before making the decision and our staff can answer any questions you have regarding treatment, insurance, or financial options available to you.
Call our dental office today at 915.566.3927 to schedule a dental crown consulting or click the ‘Schedule an Appointment!‘ button in the menu above!
