You had pain and discomfort, so you went to your friendly neighbourhood dentist. Now, you are being told that to ease the discomfort and protect your oral health, you need a dental crown.
Crowns are relatively misunderstood, and they are not seen in the positive light that they should be. While the procedure to get a dental crown is more intensive than your average filling, a crown is a great implement for your mouth when an ordinary filling will not do or after a root canal.
To put your mind at ease, we have created a mini guide about dental crowns and how they benefit your smile.
WHAT IS A DENTAL CROWN AND WHY IS MY DENTIST SUGGESTING ONE?
Dental crowns (or caps) are cemented over an existing tooth. They can cover previous damage, cap over a root canal opening, and strengthen your bite. The process for a crown is painless – sit down, have an impression taken, and wait for the permanent fixture to be created. While you wait for your permanent crown, your dentist is likely to put in a temporary one.
Crowns come in four types: ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, gold alloy, and base metal alloys. Your dentist will decide which model suits your needs based on your budget, insurance, and your bite. Furthermore, your dentist will determine how quickly the crown would be seen – avoiding the metal alloys if they are part of your smile.
THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL CROWNS – YES, THEY DO MORE THAN COVER A GAP!
You might be surprised at how useful a crown can be for your smile and overall health. Some of the common reasons that dentists request a crown include root canals, tooth fractures, too much decay, cracked teeth, or during the replacement of an extensive filling.
When you opt for the crown, you enjoy key advantages like:
Preserving Your Smile for Years: Instead of filling a large area of decay with a composite filling, your dentist may ask about a crown. Crowns last longer and you save yourself the hassle of chipping out a filling in the future. Furthermore, if you leave a tooth untreated, it can cause more decay and bone loss. Crowns cover weak enamel, which preserves your bite, but also lets you enjoy foods as you normally would.
Aesthetically Pleasing, While Still Highly Functional: Your dentist will pick a crown that does not overtake your smile. Also, they will consider where the tooth is located, such as in the chewing plane. If you are covering a tooth that does most of the chewing, such as a molar, they will go with a stronger alloy to hold up against the daily demands. Crowns function like your real teeth, so you can go back to biting a juicy apple or enjoying a sweet treat (with brushing and flossing afterward, of course).
Prevent Bigger Issues: If you have a crack in your windshield, you know that if you leave it there, the crack will continue to spread. It’s like that with your teeth too. A crown is like a patch that strengthens your tooth and prevents further breakage.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION FOR A CROWN AT YOUR EDMONTON DENTAL CLINIC
If you have a painful filling, chipped tooth, or you may need a root canal, visit the dental professionals at Northtown Dental Associates. We can help assess your candidacy for a crown, pick the ideal medium so that it is functional and appealing, and explain the process to you in detail.
To get started, schedule a consultation with our team by calling 780-478-6131 or contact us online to book an appointment for your dental crown.