A dental crown is a custom cap that is fitted onto a tooth to restore its function, strength, and appearance. You can use it to fill in a chipped or broken tooth or to crown a tooth after a root canal procedure. If you want to know more about dental crowns in Vancouver, this guide contains details on the entire process.
Step 1: See Your Dentist
The first step in the process of getting a dental crown is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. During this visit, your dentist will examine your tooth, take an X-ray, and assess the extent of the damage. If the tooth is badly infected or decayed, a root canal must be performed prior to receiving the crown.
Step 2: Preparation of the Tooth
After your dentist finds out that a crown is necessary, they will then prepare your tooth by bringing it to a proper shape. This entails grinding a small bit of enamel so as to leave room for the crown. If the majority of the tooth is lost, filling material will be used to restore its shape before a crown can be put on.
Step 3: Taking Impressions
Once your tooth is prepared, your dentist will then go ahead and take impressions. These are then sent to a dental lab where they create a special crown that matches the size and shape of your teeth. Meanwhile, your temporary crown is put over your prepared tooth to act as a protector until the final crown is cemented in.
Step 4: Selecting the Proper Crown Material
Dental crowns can be made of many materials, including:
- Porcelain: Natural appearance and best for front teeth.
- Ceramic: Attractive and long-lasting, commonly used on visible teeth.
- Metal: Very long-lasting, best for back molars.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Provides the durability of metal coupled with the attractiveness of porcelain.
- Zirconia: Durable, long-term, and pleasing to the eye.
Your dentist will assist you in deciding the most suitable material depending on the strength, beauty, and affordability of the crown.
Step 5: Placement of the Temporary Crown
A temporary crown will be placed to keep the tooth safe and functional until the permanent crown is placed. Be sure to listen carefully to your dentist’s care instructions regarding foods to avoid, like hard or sticky foods, to ensure the temporary crown does not get damaged.
Step 6: Fitting and Placement of the Permanent Crown
When your permanent crown is finished, you will come back to your dentist for cementation. The temporary crown is removed by the dentist, and the tooth is cleaned. The fit and color of the new crown are checked. If all is well, the crown is cemented firmly onto the tooth.
Step 7: After-Care
To ensure the longevity of your dental crown, follow these care tips:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss regularly.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing on hard objects like ice or candy can damage the crown.
- Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Routine dental visits help maintain oral health.
- Manage Teeth Grinding: Wearing a night guard can protect your crown if you grind your teeth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
If taken care of, dental crowns near you can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or even more. It all depends on oral hygiene, diet, and frequent visits to the dentist.
Alternatives to Dental Crowns
A dental crown is not always the only solution. Some alternatives are:
- Dental Fillings: For small decay or damage.
- Inlays and Onlays: Partial restorations for moderate damage to a tooth.
- Dental Veneers: Mainly for cosmetic enhancement.
- Dental Implants: If a tooth cannot be repaired, a dental implant could be the better option. If you are thinking of dental implants near you, visit your dentist to find out what is best for your oral health.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns
If you are looking for dental crowns in your area, ByDesign Implant Dentistry in Vancouver provides professional dental services to help restore your smile with quality crowns. From a crown to repair a broken tooth to looking into dental implants in Vancouver, our experienced team offers customized solutions to suit your requirements.
Contact ByDesign Implant Dentistry today to make an appointment and learn about the best way to get a strong, natural-appearing dental crown that will beautify your smile.