We’ve all been there. Despite our best efforts to keep our smile bright and healthy something happens. Maybe it’s a large worn-out filling or even an injury that cracks, weakens, or damages your tooth.
Fortunately, your dentist has lots of restoration and cosmetic treatment options to not only fix the issue but make it look so good no one will ever know there was an issue in the first place. One of the more versatile treatment options is called a dental crown. If you are among the 50 to 80% of American adults who suffer from dental anxiety, you’re probably wondering if the procedure hurts.
In this blog, our own Dr. Emmanuel Aguilar at American Dental Clinic shares his insights on dental crowns so you’ll know what to expect.
Let’s unpack this discussion by defining what a dental crown is and the process for getting one. A dental crown is a permanent custom made “cap” that restores a weakened or damaged tooth by covering the affected tooth. It essentially is a cosmetic restorative treatment that not only strengthens the tooth but also improves its appearance and shape.
There are different types of crowns based on the condition of the tooth being repaired. Partial crowns also called inlays and onlays are used when the existing tooth is strong and healthy enough to serve as a base. In this scenario, the partial crown is placed on top of the existing tooth. If the tooth is missing entirely, a crown can be placed in coordination with a dental bridge or dental implant to replace the missing tooth.
Like most dental treatments that may cause some sensitivity, before any actual work happens during a dental crown procedure your dentist will numb you with a local anesthetic. A typical dental crown is performed in one or two appointments depending on your treatment plan and if the practice can mill a custom crown in house.
During the first step, your dentist performs a thorough examination and X-rays if needed. The goal is to determine if you are a good candidate for a crown. Your tooth needs to be strong enough to support a crown and there needs to be enough of the tooth left to hold the crown. If needed, this second determining factor can be resolved with a crown lengthening procedure.
If everything looks good, then your dentist gives you a local anesthetic. Once you are appropriately numbed, he removes a thin layer of the enamel to accommodate the crown.
At American Dental Clinic we have the capability to do same-day crowns. With the aid of an intraoral camera, we scan the inside of your mouth to create a digital scan. The scan is then sent to our in-house machine that fabricates your crown from a durable ceramic material that we have carefully color-matched to your neighboring teeth. Your permanent crown is made in about 15 minutes. We then adhere it your affected tooth and do any final adjustments for fit and to ensure you have a proper bite.
Then you’re good to go for literally 10 to 15 years with proper at-home oral care that includes brushing and flossing as well as keeping up with your regular dental checkups and professional hygiene cleanings. And as if the value wasn’t enough, dental crowns look great and are so natural looking that it will be hard to tell the difference between your dental crown and your natural teeth.
If you have cracked or damaged teeth and are wondering if crowns are right for you, book a consultation at American Dental Clinic in San Diego. Make your appointment by using our online booking tool or calling us today at 858-216-4662.
