If you have a cracked or damaged tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. Dental Crowns are restorative dentistry treatments that act like caps to cover and protect teeth from further damage. We offer dental crown treatment in our Madill and Ardmore, OK offices in Southern Oklahoma.
Your Storts Family Dentistry dentist will recommend the most appropriate type of dental crown for your dental health and cosmetic needs. In most cases, a porcelain or ceramic crown is suggested for a durable, aesthetic result. Your dentist will place your new dental crown during a single visit using CEREC® technology.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown will mimic the look and feel of a natural tooth and is most often used as a solution for a severe cavity. It is a prosthetic cap that your dentist will place over a damaged or decayed tooth. It will restore its shape, size, strength, and improve the tooth’s appearance.
A dental crown can be made from several types of materials however we typically fabricate porcelain dental crowns.
Your porcelain crown will cover the entire tooth down to the gum line. They are created from molds or digital scans of the tooth so that they will mimic the appearance of your natural tooth. A dental crown is a permanent dental restoration because the treatment requires removing a portion of the outer layer of the tooth.
Reasons for Needing a Dental Crown
Dentists use dental crowns for many reasons. This vital dental restoration serves many diverse purposes. We use it in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. We may recommend a dental crown for various reasons, including:
- Severe tooth decay that we cannot effectively restore with a dental filling
- Teeth with significant cracks or fractures that need support and protection
- Teeth with large fillings, especially if the remaining tooth structure is compromised, to prevent further damage
- After a root canal, a tooth may become brittle and is often capped with a crown for added strength and protection
- Teeth that are worn down or broken may require crowns to restore their function and appearance
- To cover up and improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth
- Dental Crowns are used as abutments to support dental bridges which replace missing teeth
- To top of a dental implant to replace missing teeth in implant-supported restorations
- Correct malocclusion (improper bite) when a patient has alignment issues
- As a preventive measure for teeth at risk of significant damage, especially in individuals with teeth-grinding habits
Dental Crown Treatment in Southern OK
Storts Family Dentistry is proud to use CEREC technology so patients can receive same-day dental crowns. The process of receiving a dental crown in a day involves the use of CAD/CAM technology. This option does not require messy dental impressions or a temporary crown. The process of receiving a same-day dental crown involves the following steps:
- Preparing the Tooth: Your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing any decay or damaged portions. They will need to reduce the size of the tooth to create room for the cap.
- Taking an Impression: Instead of traditional dental impressions, we will take a digital impression of the tooth using an intraoral scanner. This creates a 3D digital model of the tooth.
- Design the Crown: Your dentist will use CAD software to design the crown with the digital image of your tooth. They can customize the shape, size, and color to match your natural teeth.
- Milling the Crown: Once the design of your tooth is ready, they will send the digital design to an on-site milling machine. It will carve the crown from a block of porcelain in about 15-30 minutes.
- Placing the Crown: Your dentist will bond or cement the custom dental crown to your tooth. They will check the fit and your bite to ensure proper alignment.
- Finalizing and Polishing: The final step is to make minor adjustments if necessary to ensure a precise fit and then polish the crown to enhance its appearance and comfort.
Receiving a Traditional Dental Crown
While CEREC dental crowns offer the benefit of receiving a same-day restoration, there may be some situations where you will need to get a traditional dental crown. CEREC technology does have some limitations. For example, there may be too much tooth damage, or your tooth anatomy is too complex. Additionally, you may need a tooth crown made from another type of material.
If you need a traditional dental crown, the process is slightly different. Your procedure will span two appointments instead of one, and you will wear a temporary cap.
After your dentist prepares your tooth, they will take several dental impressions. We send one to a dental laboratory where a ceramist will fabricate a custom dental crown from the mold. We use the other to create a temporary crown made of plastic.
Your dentist will place your temporary dental crown to protect your tooth until your next appointment. The fabrication process takes about 2-3 weeks. Once you return for your final appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and finalize the crown process.
Our dentists want to do everything they can to keep your smile in top shape. They will color-match your teeth to your permanent crown to ensure that it looks and feels natural.
Dental Crown Aftercare
After receiving a dental crown, proper aftercare is crucial for long-term success. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods after placement. It is vital to allow the crown’s bonding to set. Maintain regular oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing. Carefully brush and floss around the crowned tooth to prevent plaque buildup.
Attend follow-up appointments and schedule appointments if you experience issues such as pain or discomfort. Be mindful of teeth-grinding habits, and consider wearing a night guard if necessary.
A dental crown can provide lasting function and aesthetics for years if you take good care of it.
Dental Crown FAQs
Getting a dental crown will restore your tooth and your oral health. There are a few steps involved in the process, and you may have questions about what to expect. You may also be wondering what to expect after the dental crown procedure. These are the top questions and answers about tooth crowns. Learn more about them and feel confident about your treatment. Give us a call if you need further help or have a question about something we did not cover.
How long will my dental crown last?
You can expect your dental crown to last for 5 to 15 years. The better you care for your teeth and your oral health, the longer you can expect the restoration to last. Avoid chewing hard foods and candy, and address teeth grinding to avoid damaging the crown. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will ensure your teeth are healthy and your cap is in good shape.
Is it painful to get a dental crown?
The procedure to get a tooth cap is generally not a painful one. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and only report experience feeling some pressure during the treatment. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable and to eliminate the possibility of feeling pain. After your appointment, when this wears off, it is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity. This is temporary, and you can manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How are dental crowns fitted?
Your dental crown will fit precisely over your prepared tooth and with your bite. First, we will reshape your natural tooth. Then, we will take digital images of your teeth. These images will ensure that we design a crown that will fit perfectly in the gap. It will also work with your bite. Using digital images, we can meticulously design a well-fitted crown using CAD software.
What should I do if my tooth crown falls off?
A dental crown can fall off due to tooth decay or normal wear and tear. If this happens, please retrieve it, gently rinse it off with cool water, and keep it somewhere safe. Then, contact your Storts Family Dentistry dentist to book an appointment. Your dentist will assess whether or not they can reattach the crown to your tooth or if you need a new one.
Will my dental insurance cover my tooth crown?
Most dental insurances offer coverage for dental crowns if it is medically necessary. For instance, if you have severe tooth decay and your tooth needs to be restored for protection, it is likely your policy would cover a portion of the treatment. However, coverage will vary based on your policy. Typically we see plans covering 50-80% of the cost. If you want a dental crown for cosmetic purposes, it is unlikely dental insurance will cover it. Check with your insurance provider for specific policy details.
What is the difference between a dental crown and a dental veneer?
A dental crown will encase the entire tooth to the gum line. It is a dental restoration that physically looks like a tooth and will cap a prepared natural tooth. Dentists use tooth crowns to give strength and protection to damaged or decayed teeth.
On the other hand, a dental veneer covers the front surface of a natural tooth. Placement requires only a small layer of enamel to be removed. Dentists use teeth
What happens if I chip my tooth crown?
If you chip your crown, the treatment will depend on the severity of the damage. If this happens, contact your Storts Family Dentistry office in Ardmore or Madill, OK, to set up an appointment. Avoid chewing on the tooth to prevent further damage until your visit. The integrity of the restoration is at risk so quick treatment is necessary. Your dentist can repair minor chips in the office. However, larger chips may require replacement.
Is it normal for a new crown to be sensitive?
Yes, after the anesthetic wears off, it is normal for your tooth to be sensitive. It is especially sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. This sensitivity should subside as your mouth adjusts to the new crown within a few weeks. If it does not, please contact your dentist for a check-up.
Restore a Damaged or Weak Tooth with a Dental Crown in Southern Oklahoma
Call one of our dental offices for dental crown treatment today or request an appointment with us online. Our office serves a large majority of the Southern Oklahoma area, including cities and towns such as Ardmore, Marietta, Madill, Thackerville, Springer, Wilson, Mannsville, Kingston, and countless other areas! We cannot wait to help you achieve the smile you deserve!