Dental crowns are the perfect solution for a few different dental issues. If you’re missing a tooth, you may want to consider an implant and a crown, and if you have a tooth that’s severely decayed or misshapen, a crown helps to cover that issue and make your teeth look like brand new. Here’s a look at some of the most common questions about crowns and answers to them.
Who Can Get a Dental Crown?
People of all ages can get dental crowns. Dentists often prescribe this treatment for adults, but even children can get crowns. Typically, children get crowns over baby teeth to protect them from decay, but they can also get crowns over adult teeth as needed.
What Are Crowns Made of?
The majority of our patients want crowns that blend in with the rest of their smile, and as a result, porcelain crowns tend to be the most popular. However, crowns for children are often made of stainless steel. Some patients even opt for gold crowns just because they prefer how they look aesthetically. You can choose from any of these options.
What Happens During the Initial Consultation?
Usually, the process starts with a consultation. During that appointment, the dentist looks at your situation and lets you know if a crown is the right option for you. In some cases, you may not need a dental crown. If you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, for example, you may be fine with a simple filling or a veneer rather than a crown.
If you are missing several teeth, a crown and a bridge may be an option, but you may decide that a partial removable denture is better for your needs. Your dentist can answer your questions and help you decide on your next move.
How Do You Install Dental Crowns?
After the consultation, it generally takes two appointments to install your crown. During the first appointment, the dentist prepares the area. If you have a cavity in your tooth, the dentist removes the decay and puts in a filling. In some cases, root canals are part of this process. Then, the dentist takes a mold of your teeth, and that mold gets used to create the crown.
If your tooth is severely decayed, it may be pulled during this appointment. Then, once the area heals, the dentist can put in an implant. An implant is a metal rod that gets implanted into your jaw bone. This is the same process that takes place if you’re already missing a tooth. Once again, the dentist creates a mold.
The mold gets sent to a lab, and there, skilled technicians craft the crown. Once the crown is ready, you get a follow up appointment. During that appointment, the dentist fits on the crown and makes sure that it works with your bite. In some cases, you get a temporary crown until the real one is ready.
If you believe that you need a dental crown or if you are having any other dental issues, please contact us today. At Suwanee Center for Family Dentistry, we offer a range of preventative dental treatments as well as cosmetic and surgical treatments. We work with people of all ages, and we’d love to help your whole family. Set up an appointment online today.