A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth, from the gum line up. It helps hold a cracked, worn or heavily filled tooth together so the tooth can stay in use. At Newbury Dental Care, 1794 Concession Drive in Newbury, a dentist can tell you whether a crown is the right repair.
When is it time for a crown?
Most crowns are suggested for one of a handful of reasons. A back tooth may carry a filling so large that only thin walls of natural tooth remain around it, and those walls can split under biting pressure. A tooth may have a crack that hurts when you bite down or release. Some teeth are worn short from grinding, and some have had root canal treatment and turned brittle. A crown can also sit on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. Your dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays when needed and explains whether a crown or a smaller repair makes more sense.
What getting a crown involves
First the tooth and gum are numbed, and any decay or failing filling is cleared away. The dentist then trims a thin layer from the outside of the tooth so the crown has room to fit, and records its shape so the new crown lines up with your bite. A temporary cover may protect the tooth while the final crown is being made. When it is ready, the crown is tried on, checked for fit, colour and bite, and then cemented in place. The number of visits depends on the tooth and on how the crown is made, and your dentist will tell you what to expect before you start.
Will a crown look like my own teeth, and what is it made of?
In general, crowns can be made from several materials, including tooth-coloured ceramics, metal alloys, or metal with a porcelain layer over it. Tooth-coloured crowns can be shaded to blend with the teeth beside them, which matters most for teeth that show when you smile. The right choice for you depends on where the tooth sits, how hard you bite and how much of the tooth is left. Ask your dentist which options suit your tooth.
How long do crowns last?
There is no set number of years. How long a crown keeps working depends on the health of the tooth underneath and the gum around it, on your bite and habits such as clenching or chewing ice, and on daily care. The crown does not get cavities, yet the natural tooth along its margin still can, so brushing at the gum line, cleaning between your teeth and keeping regular check-ups all help. If a crown ever feels loose, chips or makes your bite feel different, call the office.
Dental crowns in Newbury, ON
Our office is at 1794 Concession Drive, Newbury, ON N0L 1Z0. Families and patients of every age are seen here, new patients are welcome, and crown and bridge treatment is among the services on our services page. For more on the warning signs that a tooth may need this kind of repair, read our blog post on when you might need a dental crown.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth and gum are numbed before any shaping starts. Afterward, some tenderness in the gum or the tooth is common for a short while. If soreness builds instead of settling, call the office.
Is it normal for a crowned tooth to feel sensitive?
Some sensitivity to cold or to biting can follow a new crown, and it often eases on its own. If it lingers, or the tooth feels like it hits first when you close, call so the dentist can check the bite; a small adjustment is sometimes all that is needed.
Could I get a filling instead of a crown?
Sometimes. If enough healthy tooth remains, a filling may be enough. When a filling would leave thin walls that could break, a crown gives the tooth more protection. Your dentist will explain the reasons behind the recommendation.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth that have had root canal treatment are often crowned, because they take the most chewing force and can become brittle. Front teeth are sometimes restored with a filling instead. Your dentist decides based on how much of the tooth is left.
Book a visit about a crown
Call (519) 693-4525 or reach Newbury Dental Care through our contact page to book an exam.