There are many reasons Dr. Montgomery might suggest a dental crown as the solution for your dental needs. You may have simply bit down too hard on a piece of candy and broken a tooth. You may have a tooth that requires additional support due to extensive decay or damage. Or, it could be that years of clenching your teeth have finally taken their toll.
Why should I get a dental crown?
A dental crown performs double-duty, not only restoring your mouth to full function, but also creating an aesthetic replacement for the full tooth that is no longer there, the finishing touch on a root canal procedure or after a dental implant placement. Most crowns will cover your entire remaining tooth structure straight down to the gum-line. These tooth-colored restorations can also be used to protect a tooth weakened by decay, or support a tooth that is severely broken, cracked, or requires a large filling.
What is a dental crown made of?
The most common materials for dental crowns include porcelain, ceramic, or porcelain-fused-to-metal; other choices include resin or metal alloys (such as gold). Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and Dr. Montgomery will consider several factors when determining which to use for you. The decision will depend on:
- where the dental crown will be placed your mouth
- patient habits, such as clenching or grinding your teeth
- what will look the most natural
- your overall patient needs and history
How will Dr. Montgomery place the dental crown in my mouth?
If you need a crown to hold together a weakened, broken down, or cracked tooth, your dental crown can usually be completed in 1-2 visits with our Plano office. At the first visit, Dr. Montgomery will remove any existing decay or damage and then take an impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding area so that a laboratory can make your dental crown. He will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the permanent crown arrives and is placed (usually about two to three weeks later). Each and every dental treatment we provide is based on your individual needs, and timelines for procedures may vary. We will also make sure to explain your treatment and our expectations before we start.
Will my mouth hurt after I get a crown?
Pain or sensitivity is not unusual after the crown is in place and the anesthetic has worn off. Hot/cold sensitivities may be remedied with special toothpaste, but other sensitivities could require your dentist’s expertise and care.
How long will a dental crown last?
It would be reasonable to expect that a dental crown could last between five and fifteen years. Depending on the environment and forces the crown is exposed to (chewing, biting, accidental trauma, tooth grinding), and how well you keep the tooth to which it is cemented free of dental plaque, a crown can last somewhat indefinitely. This is especially true of a dental crown positioned where its cosmetic appearance is not much of a concern.
