About Dental Crowns
Diseased, injured, and broken teeth can benefit from a dental crown restoration that is made to look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. These “caps” can actually strengthen teeth and can often be completed in one visit.
Do I Need A Dental Crown?
Dental crowns in Dallas, TX at Hamlett & La Mastra, DDS, can effectively treat an array of oral issues and re-establish the natural function and aesthetic appeal of a tooth. Some of the more common reasons for needing a dental crown include:
- Teeth that are cracked or broken
- Erosion or enamel wear
- Discolored or misshapen teeth
- Moderate-sized cavities
- Replacement of large, damaged fillings
- Teeth that have received a root canal
- As part of a dental bridge for tooth replacement
- Completion of a single dental implant
At Hamlett & La Mastra, DDS, a dental crown is performed for teeth in the front and back of the mouth and can be crafted from high-grade ceramic or additional natural-looking materials, porcelain fused to metal, or a precious metal (such as gold). Our skilled dental team can evaluate your tooth and help you choose the best type of crown procedure for your unique oral needs and cosmetic goals.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns provide advantages to patients who have teeth weakened by decay or trauma. Some of the best use cases for dental crowns include:
- Repairing cracked or broken teeth
- Fixing teeth that are worn or eroded
- Rejuvenating discolored or odd-shaped teeth
- Treating moderate cavities
- Replacing large fillings
- Restoring teeth that have been treated endodontically
- Finishing an implant
At Hamlett & La Mastra, DDS, our talented dental professionals will review your teeth and help you choose the right type of crown procedure for your individual needs and cosmetic goals.
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Rebuild Damaged & Decayed Teeth
Are you self-conscious about your smile due to cracked, broken, decayed, or worn teeth? Porcelain crowns can bring back your healthy, natural-looking smile and oral health all at the same time. Sometimes, injury or disease results in damaged teeth and while a filling can restore a small defect in a tooth, a crown is the most durable way to restore any tooth with extensive damage. At our dental office, we only use the strongest and most lifelike materials to ensure your new smile addition always blends in seamlessly.
What You Need to Know About Dental Crowns
Porcelain crowns were once commonly referred to as "caps." After some preparation to the underlying tooth, a porcelain crown is positioned over the tooth and secured. Crowns allow you to retain your natural underlying structure while giving you a complete, fully-functional smile. Porcelain crowns look completely natural and can correct bite problems, spaces between teeth, and the angulations of teeth. They can also be used to permanently replace missing teeth as part of a bridge or over a dental implant.
Dental Crowns vs Dental Implants
While dental crowns are used to produce the tooth that sits on top of the implant they are also used to restore damaged or decayed teeth as well as teeth that have undergone root canals. Dental implants are used when teeth are completely missing whereas dental crowns are used to restore teeth that are damaged. Dental crowns do require the dentist to prepare the tooth before treatment and should be looked at as a last resort when other less invasive treatments are not enough.
What can I expect after dental crowns?
Once it is in place, your custom crown will be adjusted as needed to make certain your bite is comfortable and even. Our team will talk to you about the recommended method to use when cleaning your custom crown and suggest effective oral hygiene techniques. During your regular dental evaluations at our Dallas, TX facility, one of our practitioners will track your dental crown along with your general oral health. When cared for properly, a dental crown should help maintain your tooth for a number of years. If your crown ever seems to be loose or falls off, it's best to reach out to Hamlett & La Mastra, DDS for assistance right away. Attempting to repair or glue it back on yourself can easily cause damage to your dental restoration and tooth.
Dental crown FAQs
Why do I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns offer several benefits for men and women with teeth that have been weakened by trauma or decay. Crowns are especially good at hiding cracked, chipped, stained, or broken teeth to give you a more pleasing smile. Dental crowns can also protect your tooth after a root canal or hold a cracked tooth firmly in place.
What are dental crowns made from?
Dental crowns can be made of different materials. Hamlett & La Mastra, DDS, usually recommend dental porcelain because it looks and functions just like your natural teeth. Patients can discuss their options with one of our professionals to determine the best material for their needs and goals.
How long do dental crowns last?
One of the reasons our clinic chooses porcelain for crowns is the durability of the material. With good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings, a dental crown can last for many years. Damaged or broken dental crowns can always be replaced by a member of our team.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
The process of getting a dental crown is typically not painful. The tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic before any work is performed. After the procedure, some mild discomfort or sensitivity may occur, but it usually subsides quickly.
How is a dental crown placed?
The process involves several steps: the tooth is prepared by removing decay and shaping it to accommodate the crown. An impression is then taken and sent to a dental lab, where the crown is custom-made. Once ready, it is cemented onto the prepared tooth.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes, you can eat normally with a dental crown. However, it's advisable to avoid very hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage or dislodge the crown.
Natural-Looking Crowns For A Natural Smile
Tooth decay, broken teeth, and other issues might be best addressed with a custom crown from our Dallas, TX practice. This type of dental restoration may help prevent additional damage while providing ideal functional abilities and a natural-looking appearance for your tooth. Reach out to Hamlett & La Mastra, DDS, to reserve a consultation with our dentists and find out if a crown or another restorative solution is best suited for your tooth.