Why Having a Dental Crown May Improve Your Oral Health

The average adult's smile should comprise 32 teeth (or 28 if you've had your third molars removed). Even though a problem with one tooth might not seem like a major deal, it actually is. A single abscessed tooth that isn't addressed can affect all your other teeth, as well as your gums. A damaged front tooth might hurt the overall look of your smile. And just one missing tooth could influence the alignment of your other teeth. Our talented dental professionals in Houston, TX offer dental crowns to repair, protect, or replace a single tooth.
At Made Ya Smile, we offer medical-grade crowns that look and feel natural. Read on to learn about how dental crowns may be used, different types of crowns, and what to expect when you have a crown placed.
ORAL CONDITIONS THAT COULD REQUIRE A DENTAL CROWN
A variety of oral situations may cause your dentist to suggest a crown. Dental crowns can offer strength or protection if a tooth is chipped, cracked, or has a big cavity. A dental crown may also fill in a missing tooth or conceal discoloration to boost the look of your smile. You could need a crown if you have any of these issues:
- A cracked tooth
- After root canal treatment
- Cosmetic enhancements to your smile
- Cover a natural tooth
- Take the place of a lost tooth
Depending on where the tooth is that's receiving the crown and how you want your smile to look, a porcelain, ceramic, or metal crown may be the right choice. When replacing a lost tooth, you might also have the option to consider an implant-retained crown.
HOW LONG MUST I WAIT TO RECEIVE A CROWN?
Once you and your dentist have figured out the kind of restoration you will get to address your specific needs, your session will be scheduled. Usually, your dentist will have to take away a little of your natural tooth to create space for the crown. Doing this will allow it to fit snugly on your tooth without creating an excess of or not enough space for the neighboring teeth. After your tooth is readied, our dentist will take detailed images and impressions, which will help create your crown. A few Houston, TX dentists offer one-day ceramic or porcelain restorations, which can be custom-designed and milled in their practice using advanced 3D printers. Depending on your dentist and the kind of crown you're getting, a same-day restoration might not be available. While your crown is being made in our dental lab, we can put a temporary restoration over your natural tooth to safeguard it. An implant-retained crown will also require more time because it takes about 3 – 6 months for the titanium post to integrate with your gums and bone so it is strong enough to connect to the crown.
TIPS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR DENTAL CROWN
After your restoration is on, you will want to ensure that it remains strong and healthy. Based on the design of the crown, we may recommend personalized care, like certain cleaning products or additional appointments. In general, you need to take care of your crown as you do for your other teeth with twice-daily flossing and brushing. While they are more stain-resistant in contrast to your natural teeth, porcelain or ceramic crowns can develop stains, so you need to brush your teeth soon after using tobacco products or drinking and eating things like coffee, tea, or berries. It's better to avoid hard or sticky foods (for example, caramel or ice) to avoid breaking or pulling your crown off. If your restoration does come out or gets damaged, reach out to your dentist to schedule a visit to have it placed back on and request advice on keeping your crown intact until you get there. It's also advisable to visit your dentist in Houston, TX twice a year for an exam and professional cleanings. This will provide your dentist the chance to modify your crown if needed, or decide if it needs to be fixed or replaced. If you keep up with a regular dental care plan, your restoration may last for a long time.
BOOST YOUR SMILE LINE USING A PERSONALIZED CROWN
If you have a weak, cracked, or lost tooth, maybe it's time to talk to a dental professional in Houston, TX about a customized crown. At Made Ya Smile, we offer various crown materials in addition to implant-retained crowns to match your one-of-a-kind smile. Book an appointment at our facility in Houston, TX to find out more regarding your dental choices and the way a crown may enhance the health and appearance of your smile.