Dental Crowns:

In order to strengthen and improve the appearance of your teeth, dental crowns may be used. Dental crowns cover individual teeth, and they are designed and custom-made to look like natural teeth.

Why should you get a dental crown?

• To protect a tooth that had a root canal
• To protect a tooth that is weak
• To hold a cracked tooth together and seal it from decay
• To cover a discolored tooth
• To restore a weak tooth
• To improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth
• To support the replaced tooth in a bridge
• To restore natural bite

The procedure generally takes two visits to the dentist’s office.

There is no hospital stay needed since dental crowns are done on an outpatient basis.

If the dental crown procedure is to be done properly, then the recommended stay is three weeks unless you want to make two separate trips. In any event, the procedure is done in two stages, and it is up to you to choose whether you will fly home in between the two stages.

Details of the Procedure:

The first stage of the procedure is begun by numbing the area that is to be worked on with a local anesthetic. Using a dental drill, the dentist will then clean the area, remove any decay, and grind down the tooth so that the crown will have a better fit.

The dentist will then use dental putty to take an impression of the area where the tooth was prepared to receive a crown. This impression will then be used as a mold by the dental laboratory to make the crown, and a temporary crown will be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is in place.

Once the permanent crown has been made by the dental laboratory, it will be time to begin the second stage of the procedure. The dentist will remove the temporary crown, the tooth will be cleaned thoroughly, and it will be roughed up with a dental drill.

This is done so that the permanent crown will attach better to the natural tooth. Dental cement and etching acid are then applied to the natural tooth, and the permanent cap is set into place.

After the Procedure:

Once the procedure is completed, it is common to experience a little discomfort, a dull ache and swelling for a day or so. The crown may also feel a bit strange in your mouth, and it may take some getting used to, but the cap will be fully functional 24 hours after final placement. You can then take care of your permanent crown as you would your natural teeth.

Results:

Dental crown placement is generally very successful, and the more advanced, modern crowns look and feel very natural, which minizes most concerns people have. A dental crown, if properly cared for, can last up to 10 years.

However, if a crown is not cared for properly, if it is neglected, then it will not last as long as it should. It is essential to follow proper dental hygiene and dental care instructions.

Possible Complications and Risks:

As with any dental and/or medical procedure, there are certain risks involved with dental crown procedures. The following are the most common risks and complications from getting a dental crown:

• Reaction to anesthetic or medication
• Bleeding
• Infection of treatment site
• Structural injury or damage near implant site
• Tooth injury or damage near implant site
• Nerve damage
• Tingling or numbness of the teeth, gums, lips or chin
• Sinus problems
• Receding gums
• Debonding
• Inflammation
• Chipping

You need to pay special attention and contact your physician right away if any of the following take place:

• Bleeding of gums
• Gum pain
• Sharp pain
• Swelling is severe or persistent
• Fever is 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, 38 degrees Celsius or higher
• Chills
• Sensitivity to food is severe
• Chewing difficulty
• Crown comes loose