If you just got a root canal or an implant, your dentist will place a dental crown on your tooth to restore it. What are crowns for teeth, and why are they important? At Sekhon Dental Agoura Hills, we specialize in dental crowns.
Dental Crown & Bridge – Sekhon Dental Agoura Hills
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is an artificial cap for your tooth that looks similar to a natural tooth. Crowns are typically used to restore a weak, decayed, or broken tooth. Sometimes, dentists also use crowns to hold a dental bridge in place or cover severely stained teeth. They come in various materials and last between 5 to 15 years.
Dental Crowns Composition
Your dentist might prepare your tooth crown with one or combination of the following:
- Porcelain
- Metal
- Composite resin
- Ceramic
- Zirconia
Porcelain crowns are most widely used as they match teeth’s natural color. Moreover, porcelain crowns with a metal base are also common. A dental crown procedure requires 2 visits. In the first visit, your dentist will prepare the crown. After the preparation is done, your dentist will schedule your 2nd appointment to seat the crown. The delay is for the lab to have sufficient time to prepare your crown. The procedure is nearly painless using a local anesthetic. At Sekhon Dental Agoura Hills, we also offer nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas) to make the entire procedure entirely painless.
Different Types of Dental Crowns
Temporary Crown
Temporary crowns come in handy when your permanent crown needs time to be prepared. If your dentist finds the need, they will place a temporary crown for a few days. So, temporary crowns are not as sturdy as permanent ones. We recommend that you avoid chewy or sticky foods, hard foods, and extremely hot or cold foods.
One-day Crown
Some dental offices now offer one-day crowns where you can get your crown in a single appointment. They prepare your porcelain crown using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies.
3/4 Crown
A 3/4 crown, also known as an on-lay crown, covers three-quarters of your tooth. It is a suitable choice when you do not require a full crown.
Veneers vs Crowns
Often, patients confuse veneers and crowns due to their similar appearance. However, they are not the same. Veneers are a part of cosmetic dentistry, while crowns are restorative. The main difference between crowns and veneers is their function.
Veneers help improve the appearance of your tooth, but they cannot fix teeth beyond repair. Also, veneers typically cover the front of the tooth only.
On the other hand, crowns cover 3/4th or the complete tooth to fix damage and support bridges.
Dental Crown Care
- Crowns for teeth do not protect them from cavities. So, you must maintain oral health practices, including regularly brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. We still recommend preventive care
- Do not clench your teeth at night; ask your dentist for a night guard recommendation to prevent damage to the crown
- Avoid hard foods such as ice, especially with porcelain crowns
If you have received a root canal, a chipped tooth, or are getting an implant, crowns are a must. Our experienced restorative dentists recommend and provide the most suitable dental crowns for patients’ needs. You can trust Sekhon Dental Agoura Hills with your crowns & bridges. We will give you the confident smile you deserve!