It’s natural for you to feel a little nervous when your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, recommends a dental crown. However, once you understand how a dental crown works, you’ll discover you have nothing to be worried about. In fact, dental crowns are one of the most common restorative dentistry treatments available. Below, Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Alexa Johnson share how dental crowns work to save your tooth from further damage.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the tooth’s base. Most dentists provide a porcelain dental crown because it blends seamlessly with natural teeth. Dental crowns are extremely popular because they can solve many dental problems:
- Cracked Tooth
- Decayed Tooth
- Post root canal therapy
- Post dental implant placement
- Want to aesthetically improve your smile
Dental Crown Placement
Now that you understand how a dental crown works and what purpose it serves, it is time to become acquainted with the procedure. A dental crown is typically placed over the course of two appointment visits. Your Colorado Springs dentists will examine and prepare the tooth at the initial visit. Depending on the circumstances, you may be subjected to a series of X-rays. If you have an infection or substantial tooth decay, a root canal may be required before a dental crown may be set.
After numbing your gum tissue and tooth, your dentist will begin filing down the surface and sides of the damaged tooth. Note that you should feel any discomfort. To effectively support the crown, your dentist may use a filling.
After the tooth has been reshaped, your dentist will add putty, then place your temporary crown. Be gentle with your temporary crown and avoid chewing on ice or eating sticky foods.
Your dentist will place the permanent dental crown during your second visit. Dr. Boals or Dr. J will numb the area again before placing the final crown. Our friend, Dr. Wade, a dentist in Pinellas Park, FL, says that it’s normal to not feel used to your dental crown for the first few days. You’ll feel back to normal in no time.
Maintaining Dental Crowns
Your new dental crown can last you from 5 to 15 years. You don’t need any additional maintenance. Continue to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist’s office. Most patients don’t have any problems with their dental crowns. If you have the habit of chewing on hard or sticky foods, it is possible that the crown breaks. If this happens, contact an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs.
Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry
Understanding how a dental crown functions can help to calm your nerves. The treatment is completely painless and can prevent additional dental problems from developing. If you’re looking for a dentist in Colorado Springs, contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry today! Additionally, we offer virtual dental consultations to all of our patients!