No one likes going to the dentist. Whether you have images of the dentist from "Little Shop of Horrors" or just a general fear of people putting sharp objects in your mouth, the dentist's office is never a place people look forward to. The truth, however, is that dentists are needed. You need them to help you care for your teeth and maximize what you have for a lifetime.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a cap that is applied to a damaged or decayed tooth. The crown acts as a prosthetic tooth to allow the patient to continue using that tooth. It is preferable to salvage a damaged or decayed tooth with a crown than to be forced to lose the tooth permanently through extraction.
Is a crown a fake tooth?
A crown is not a fake tooth. There is still a large portion of our tooth underneath the crown including the root. The crown is simply a cap that is placed over the tooth after any damaged or decayed areas ar removed.
What material is used for dental crowns?
Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials. Metal, stainless steel, porcelain, and resin are all used to make crowns. Metal, most commonly gold, is the most durable options and is used in cases where the patient bites or grinds their teeth. Metal is typically used on molars so the difference in color is not as noticeable. Stainless steel is the least expensive option, but it is used most often in children on baby teeth.
How long do dental crowns last?
With the exception of crowns applied to baby teeth, dental crowns are meant to last a lifetime. While they are prone to cracking and chipping, with proper care and judicious this can be avoided.
Can you eat normal food after a crown?
After a few days, the area will have healed from the procedure and you can return to normal eating and drinking. You should be mindful of what you eat after a crown in applied, however. Avoid extremely hard foods, like raw vegetables and nuts, as well as foods that have a tendency to get stuck, like caramels and popcorn. Careful choices will help extend the life of your crown.
How do you care for a crown?
Once the area has healed, you can care for your crown the same way that you care for the rest of the teeth in your mouth. Brushing multiple times a day, flossing nightly and using a quality mouthwash will all keep the crown and the rest of your teeth free from debris and bacteria so you can avoid cavities, gingivitis, and tooth decay.
A dental crown is a great way to save a damaged or decayed tooth and, with care, can last a lifetime. For more information on dental crowns, reach out to a local dentist.
Every time you take a bite of food, you should be grateful for your healthy teeth! A tooth can lose its health and structure quickly once decay sets in. Luckily, if you visit your dentist for regular appointments, the decay should not get too serious before your dentist notices it and can do something about it. That "something" is applying a filling. On the other hand, if the decay progresses too long before it is caught, you may need a crown or even an extraction.
We want to keep our teeth, and we know you want to keep yours. That's why we created this website to teach you more about dentists and dental care. Enjoy!