You may have heard of dental crowns, but do you know the benefits they can provide or what they are used for? A crown for tooth problems can spare you from needing more invasive (and expensive) dental work while providing a host of other benefits, too.
Whether it’s already been suggested that you get a dental crown or you’re browsing your options, it’s a good idea to gain an understanding of what dental crowns in Bay Village, OH, are and what they can do for you.
And of course, any time you have questions or concerns regarding your dental health, you can always reach out to Cynthia J. Mikula, DDS.
What Are Dental Crowns in Bay Village, OH, For?
In general, a dental crown for tooth concerns is a restorative treatment that is used on worn-down teeth or dental implants.
A tooth might be intentionally filed down by a dentist following an injury or decay. For example, if a patient has a significantly large cavity, there may be a need for extensive filing of the tooth, leaving just a nub of tooth around the root. A crown can be designed to fit around it and refill the space left by the filed tooth.
A crown is, for the most part, an artificial tooth that is specially made in a lab (either on-site or off-site) to match the shade and form of the rest of your teeth. When possible, a mold is made of the original tooth so that the crown can resemble it as closely as possible.
Unlike veneers, a dental crown for tooth solutions completely encases the tooth nub, restoring its function and appearance. The longevity of a crown will depend on how it is cared for, the material it is made of, and how the crown is affixed to the natural tooth nub.
A Solution for Damaged or Missing Teeth
When a tooth is missing or damaged, the teeth that remain in the mouth are subjected to additional strain, wear, tear, and pressure. They can become weak and loose from this extra burden, which can ultimately lead to further tooth loss or damage.
When a tooth is missing, the jaw loses bone mass and shrinks in that area because there are no longer any roots for it to support. In addition, missing teeth cause the remaining teeth to shift and move, resulting in a host of additional problems, from crooked teeth to trouble flossing and cleaning teeth properly.
A dental crown can prevent the shifting of the remaining teeth by filling the empty space.
What Is the Procedure for Getting a Crown?
If a crown is to be fixed to a part of a remaining natural tooth, there does need to be a sufficient area left there to support the crown. If this isn’t possible, or if a tooth is completely missing, a dental implant is often used to anchor the crown instead.
Typically, fixing a crown requires two dental visits when a dental office does not have its own lab. However, we design, mill, and finish our crowns on-site, so our patients can often get their crowns in just one visit.
We use a system called E4D computer-aided technology to make crowns. This system shortens the length of time that is needed to perform dental procedures like crown fittings. With our advanced software, we’re able to view and adjust crowns easily and quickly so that we can create and seat the crown in just one visit.
3 Steps to a New, Beautiful Crown
While the process of getting a crown typically happens in three steps, the specifics will vary from one office to another and one provider to another.
Step 1
We’ll begin by checking the status of your teeth and your jaw. If necessary, we will take X-rays to survey the condition of any tooth structure or roots below the surface of the gums.
In addition, we will look at the severity of the tooth damage and the condition of the remaining teeth. We will also determine whether there is enough of your natural tooth left to support a crown.
Step 2
The tooth will need some preparation for the new crown to adhere to it adequately. We might use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable as the surface of the tooth is filed and prepared. A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is designed, milled, and glazed.
Step 3
Once the permanent crown is ready, the temporary one will be removed. Then, the tooth and gum area is thoroughly cleaned, and a special small block of cement is used to permanently fix the new crown to the dental implant or natural tooth.
Dental Crowns in Bay Village, OH
Dental crowns offer the opportunity to restore form, function, and appearance to your mouth after tooth loss or a tooth injury. When a crown has to be sent out and created off-site, it can take two weeks or more before it’s ready for the patient, leaving them wearing an uncomfortable temporary crown for that time.
Our priority is always the comfort, health, and satisfaction of our patients, which is why we have a lab right on-site to create your beautiful new crown and shorten the time you are left waiting for it.
If you need a crown or are interested in learning more about whether they are the right solution for you, call us at (440) 510-3468 or contact us online today!
