Diseased teeth can make your teeth weaker, cause you to avoid foods you once loved, and even make you feel embarrassed about your smile. Whether it’s from severe tooth decay or a root canal, you need a solution that restores both the functionality and look of your tooth. Fortunately, dental crowns are available to help you chew and smile with confidence.
We have helped many patients with diseased teeth over the years. Dental “caps” fit over your diseased teeth, making them stronger as well as restoring their look. Dental crowns can be made from different materials depending on if they’re permanent or temporary. They help with issues such as severe tooth decay and root canals, and are even used in dental implants. They are easily cared for with basic oral hygiene.
Dental Crowns in Knoxville, Tennessee
Look no further than My Family Dentistry if you’ve been wondering where to get dental crowns for your teeth in Knoxville, TN. We’ve helped many of our patients get the crowns they need.
Just ask John S. came to our office needing two new crowns. “I set up the appointment and got two new crowns. “They look great,” he says. He has returned since getting his crowns for other dental work, appreciating the comfort and care we provide for all of our patients.
New crowns require two appointments — the first for prepping the tooth and the second for affixing your new crown. John’s second appointment went perfectly. As he puts it:
The work took a couple of hours to finish, and I dozed off in the chair. I apologized to Dr. [Mullins] and said sorry to be so rude. He said that’s just fine, it shows it’s not hurting you. I look forward to more dental care. Really appreciate the care and concern that Dr. Mullins and his entire staff give.
Interested in learning more about how My Family Dentistry can help transform your teeth? Click here to read first-hand testimonials from our own patients!
What are dental crowns?
Also known as a cap, dental crowns restore and protect your teeth from further damage without removing them from your jaw. They work by covering the natural tooth to help bring back its original size, shape, and strength. Once cemented into place, crowns fully cover your natural teeth above the gum line.
Types
Dental crowns can be made from different types of materials to restore the tooth structure. Permanent crowns are made from ceramic or metal material while temporary crowns are made from resin. These tooth-shaped caps help to improve the look of your teeth along with their functionality.
A ceramic crown is made of porcelain for the most natural tooth-colored look. These porcelain crowns are ideal for front teeth, which is why Dr. Mullins prefers them almost exclusively, even for back teeth. He may use other types of crowns under special, extenuating circumstances, but he uses ceramic crowns almost exclusively.
Other types of crowns include:
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- Base-metal alloy
- Stainless steel crowns
The metal structure of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) provides a strong bond to the teeth for long-lasting durability. PFM crowns have a natural look while also being strong enough to handle daily wear and tear. Crowns made from base-metal alloys, along with gold crowns, are the strongest material so they won’t fracture or corrode. Unfortunately, they don’t look as natural as ceramic crowns or PFMs. This makes them better for back teeth such as molars.
Stainless steel crowns are similar to PFMs but are often given to children in cases of severe tooth decay. Composite resin is usually used for temporary crowns. You may be given a resin crown while you wait for your permanent ones to come in from the dental lab.
Signs That You Need a Crown
There are multiple reasons why you may need a crown. Whether it’s cavities or for cosmetic reasons, dental crowns can help restore the beauty of your smile while giving you the ability to eat the foods you once enjoyed.
Common reasons for dental crowns include:
- Tooth decay
- Root canals
- Broken teeth
- Dental bridges
When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to advanced cavities that can’t be fixed with fluoride and fillings alone. Your diseased teeth require more serious treatment at this point. Dr. Mullins will remove the decayed area and place a crown over the tooth to restore its functionality and look.
Root canals are used to treat infected pulp inside the tooth. Unfortunately, this treatment can also leave the tooth weaker than it was before. Like with severe tooth decay, a dental crown can help protect the treated tooth from further damage. This isn’t always required, but it’s more likely if you have a molar since they consistently experience more pressure than other teeth.
Cracked or broken teeth can also be treated with dental caps. They’re used to cover and support the tooth, preventing the need for extraction. Additionally, they can be used to hold a dental bridge in place and help fill in any gaps in your smile.
Click here for more signs that you may need a dental cap!
Caring for Your Dental Caps
Dental caps don’t mean that you no longer have to worry about the health of your teeth. Your natural teeth are still there underneath, meaning that basic oral hygiene is a must to keep them healthy. Not only will this prevent future damage and decay to your tooth, but it will also help prevent gum disease.
To ensure that your caps have a long life (about 10 – 15 years), continue to:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice per day
- Floss at least once a day after meals
- Visit our office for regular cleanings and checkups
Brushing, flossing, and cleanings will help keep your natural teeth healthy. With checkups, we can monitor the health of your dental caps along with any other issues and provide immediate treatment.
Do you suspect that you may need a dental cap? Schedule your consultation today!
We’ve had many patients like John S. benefit from dental crowns. They work by capping your weakened teeth to make them stronger and more natural-looking. They can be made from different materials based on your needs and the location of the weakened tooth. Dental crowns can help with issues such as severe tooth decay, root canals, and dental bridges. They’re easy to care for since all they require is basic oral hygiene.
My Family Dentistry is open Monday through Thursday and every other Friday. Give us a call at (865) 947-6453 or you can schedule an appointment online.