Carrollton Family Dental

330-627-5666

Call to schedule an appointment today!

Crown Me – What You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

Crown Me – What You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

Crown Me – What You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

Dental Crown

A dental crown can help improve the appearance and strength of a tooth that’s missing or damaged, due to decay, infection, or injury.

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown is basically a tooth-shaped cap that’s placed over an existing tooth for restored appearance, shape, size, or strength. Once in place, it fully covers the tooth beneath it. While some crowns are temporary, others are permanent. You may have a temporary crown, which is made more quickly and on-site until a permanent one can be completed.

Why would I need a dental crown?

Dental crowns serve a variety of specific purposes, including:

  • Covering and supporting a tooth with a sizable filling when little tooth remains
  • Improving the appearance of an irregular tooth
  • Keeping a dental bridge secure
  • Protecting a weak tooth from breaking, or holding parts of a cracked tooth together
  • Restoring a broken tooth or one that’s been significantly worn down

Can kids get dental crowns?

Children can benefit from dental crowns. In these cases, the crown serves one of the following purposes:

  • Protecting teeth at high risk for decay, particularly if a child has trouble maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits
  • Minimizing the frequency of general anesthesia – in kids who aren’t good candidates for “going under” – that would be needed for alternate dental services
  • Supporting a decayed tooth that’s so damaged it can’t support a filling

What are crowns made of?

Dental crowns consist of a variety of materials, including:

  • A metal, such as gold
  • Ceramic material
  • Porcelain, fused to metal
  • Resin
  • Stainless steel

Your dentist determines the ideal crown option for you, based on your specific needs.

What is the process of getting a crown like?

A dental crown usually takes two dental visits. At your first appointment, your dentist prepares the tooth the crown will cover. X-rays may be taken, and your dentist reshapes the tooth so the crown will fit properly over it. At this time, you’ll likely get a temporary crown. At the next visit, your dentist replaces the temporary crown with the permanent one, securing it with a special cement.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns typically last 5-15 years, depending on how well you care for your teeth through oral hygiene habits, and how much wear and tear the crown is exposed to. Frequently biting your fingernails, grinding your teeth, or using your teeth to open packages can increase this wearing down. Chewing hard foods such as popcorn and ice may harm a crown, too. Minimizing these practices and scheduling regular cleanings can help crowns last longer.

Whether you have an old crown that needs to be replaced or you need a brand new one, we can help. To start the process, call or book an appointment using the online scheduler.