Teeth that are damaged, diseased, or compromised need protection to keep them strong and working properly. In some cases, a dental crown is just what the dentist prescribed. They protect your remaining tooth structure and restore their original shape and look, allowing you to chew comfortably and smile confidently.
Dental crowns are special coverings designed to protect damaged teeth. They are used for a variety of reasons, including after root canals, for large cavities, chipped or cracked teeth, and even alongside dental implants. They usually require two office visits — one to prepare the tooth and the other to seat the new crown on it.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are special coverings for damaged teeth. These tooth-shaped dental caps are placed over the damaged tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and size. Crowns also improve the appearance of damaged teeth, allowing you to smile, bite, and chew confidently. They cover down to the gumline, ensuring that the exposed area of your tooth remains protected.
When Do I Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns can be necessary for a number of reasons. If the tooth has decayed or becomes damaged but is still restorable then it may benefit from a crown. Remember that regular checkups help us keep track of your oral health determine if you require a crown. With regular dental visits, we can catch problems early and treat them much sooner.
Common reasons for a dental crown include:
- Root canals
- Large cavities
- Misshapen or broken teeth
- Dental implants
Root Canals
Root canals are essential for treating infected pulp in teeth. Unfortunately, they also leaves an infected tooth weaker than it was beforehand. In this case, a dental crown will be placed over the remaining tooth structure to strengthen and protect what remains. A molar should always have a crown placed after a root canal due to the amount of bite pressure it receives.
Large Cavities
Cavities can be treated with fluoride when caught early or with fillings if they’ve progressed from there. However, large cavities require more advanced treatment to protect the tooth and prevent infections. Dr. Mullins or Dr. Owen will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and place a crown over the remaining structure, restoring its strength and functionality.
Misshapen Damaged Teeth
You can have misshapen teeth for a number of reasons, including heredity, injury, a compromised bite resulting in cracks or chips. In some cases, they’re simply a cosmetic issue. In others, they can affect your ability to speak or chew.
Crowns help to restore the look of your teeth as well as prevent more damage from occurring in the future. They can also be used to build back tooth structure that was missing from the damage that was previously done.
Dental Implants
Dental crowns are also used in dental implants for missing teeth. The implant is surgically placed directly into the jawbone, acting as a new root. A crown is then connected to the implant to create a full tooth replacement. The final result is a new root and tooth that look and function just like your original teeth.
For more on signs that you may need a dental crown, click here!
What To Expect When Getting a Dental Crown in Knoxville, TN
Dental crowns can be essential for maintaining the functionality of your teeth if they’ve been damaged. Fortunately, Dr. Mullins and Dr. Owen only use the highest quality laboratories and materials for your crown. With their knowledge and expertise, you can rest assured that My Family Dentistry is your number one source for dental crowns in Knoxville, TN.
Getting a permanent crown requires two appointments. The first appointment is to prep your tooth. This process includes:
- Numbing the area where the crown will be placed
- Taking an impression for the temporary crown that matches the original tooth
- Removing tooth structure and or decay so we can place the crown
- Taking scans for the permanent crown which are then sent to a lab
Bear in mind that getting a dental implant with a crown has a different timeline than regular crowns.
It takes 2 to 3 weeks for your permanent crown to come in from the lab. In the meantime, you’ll have a temporary crown to protect your tooth.
Click here to learn about the different types of dental crowns!
At My Family Dentistry, we do everything we can to ensure that your dental crown procedure is as comfortable as possible. We provide constant communication so that you know what’s going on and why. It’s our goal in every procedure to make it feel like it’s taking no time at all.
We provide headphones to listen to during your procedure. This allows you to listen to music or watch Netflix while you wait. We also offer nitrous oxide if you’re feeling apprehensive. This sedative will help you relax and, in some cases, even fall asleep. And there is no greater compliment a dental health professional can receive than a patient falling asleep in the chair.
Explaining What to Expect After Your Procedure
It’s important to know what to expect following your procedure so there are no surprises. Soreness of the gum tissue is common afterward, which can be treated by swishing with a saltwater rinse. You can also massage your gums with your toothbrush. With flossing, you actually stimulate your gums to help them heal faster.
Sensitivity can also be common after getting a crown and should go away after a few weeks. However, it should get progressively better rather than progressively worse. Contact us immediately if your sensitivity becomes worse so we can address the issue.
Do you need a dental crown or cap for your damaged tooth? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Dental crowns are used to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged teeth. They can be necessary for a number of reasons, including root canals, large cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, and even still weird. Dental crowns are usually a two-visit process — one for preparing the tooth and the other for securing the crown over the damaged tooth.
My Family Dentistry is open Monday through Thursday. Give us a call at (865) 947-6453 or you can schedule an appointment online.