Did you severely crack or chip your tooth? Are you looking for a natural-looking option with a dental crown?
As your trusted restorative dentist in Alpharetta, GA, Dr. Hedlund is happy to provide dental crowns to help restore your damaged teeth. A dental crown surrounds and protects a worn, chipped, or cracked tooth. Thus allowing patients to keep the foundational structure of their natural teeth. A tooth crown is a custom-made dental restoration that will fit over the entire tooth. It acts as a porcelain cap sitting on top of your tooth’s foundational structure.
The Dental Crown Process
The process begins by numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Then, the dentist will remove the infection or damage to your existing tooth. To make room for the porcelain crown, the dentist will need to reduce the tooth down to just its foundational structure. This will make enough space in your mouth for the custom prosthetic tooth crown.
Then, our dental staff will take several impressions. These are used to create a permanent crown and a temporary crown. We will secure the temporary crown on the tooth to protect it while you wait for the permanent one to be made.
When we receive the permanent crown back from the lab, the dentist will cement the tooth. Once fitted to the tooth, it will protect your natural tooth and make it stronger. This type of restoration is considered a permanent stand-in for your normal chewing and speaking habits.
Dental Crown FAQs
Will the dental crown procedure hurt?
The dental crown procedure can cause some discomfort as we file down your tooth structure. We take every preventative measure to ensure that you do not feel any pain. Our sedation dentistry options are available to keep you calm and comfortable throughout the entirety of the process.
How many appointments will it take to get a dental crown?
The dental crown process typically takes 2-3 trips to our office to fully restore your smile. The first appointment will be to prepare your tooth for the crown and take dental impressions. During this dental visit, we will file down your tooth. Then, we will give you a temporary replacement tooth made of composite resin.
Afterward, we will send off your dental impressions to our ceramists so that they can craft your permanent dental crown. After 2-3 weeks, your crown will be ready. We will call you back to our office and attach the dental crown utilizing dental cement on the final visit.
How should I care for my dental crown?
Your tooth crown will not require any additional care once it is permanently on your tooth. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine will help increase the longevity of your dental crown. Additionally, you should see your dentist once every six months for standard preventative care. You should brush and floss your tooth crown just as you would your natural tooth.
How long will my dental crown last?
With good oral hygiene habits, your dental crown can last many years. Typically, they last 15 years. However, they can last upwards of 25 years, depending on your dental health. By scheduling regular preventative maintenance appointments with your dentist, you should be able to get many years of wear out of your dental crown.
Is it common to get a crown after a root canal?
Yes, it is common to get a tooth crown after a root canal. A dentist or endodontist will usually recommend the placement of a crown post-procedure. The tooth crown helps protect the tooth and prevent any further infection. It also helps ensure the tooth remains strong and is less likely to break.
Patients know Dr. Hedlund for her excellent reputation in consistently restoring the natural beauty and health of teeth. Additionally, Esthetic Dental Solutions partners with professional ceramists accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to maintain our high standard of dental care and provide you with the highest quality dental crowns.
If you suspect that you have a damaged tooth, schedule an appointment online with our dentists at Esthetic Dental Solutions in Alpharetta and Roswell, GA. We will help you avoid further tooth damage and provide natural-looking dental crown restorations.