What is a dental crown?
Crowns are coverings for decayed or damaged teeth. Dental crowns are custom made to fit over the damaged tooth to the gumline, preventing future decay while restoring the original size and shape of the tooth.
Complete Health Dental Care relies primarily on porcelain crowns as they most closely match the appearance of natural teeth while providing durability.
How are crowns placed?
Crowns require two dental appointments. During the first appointment, your tooth is prepared for a crown. Dr. Piontkowski removes decay and, if necessary, rebuilds the structure of the tooth to support the crown. Next, a mold is taken of your mouth along with digital scans or X-rays. A temporary crown is placed while the permanent crown is created.
During the second appointment, Dr. Piontkowski places the permanent crown and ensures a proper, comfortable fit. Once the proper fit is determined, dental cement secures it permanently to the tooth.
When do I need a crown?
Crowns restore and fix teeth that are damaged beyond what a simple dental restoration can fix. You need a crown to:
- Protect teeth after root canal treatments
- Support a dental bridge
- Attach to a dental implant
- Strengthen a fractured or damaged tooth
- Support large fillings when little natural tooth structure remains
Crowns maintain the functionality of your teeth but can also improve the aesthetics of your smile. Dental crowns are often used to cover a badly stained tooth, a broken tooth, or a worn or misshapen tooth. If you’re unhappy with your smile, contact Complete Health Dental Care to learn more about crowns.
How do I care for a crown?
Maintaining a good dental hygiene routine is essential to caring for a dental crown. Crowns are strong, but they can crack or break. To prevent damage to crowns and prevent cavities:
- Brush and floss twice daily
- Use mouthwash
- Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other objects
- Visit Complete Health Dental Care twice annually for professional dental cleanings
To find out if a porcelain crown can restore your tooth function, protect a damaged tooth, and prevent tooth loss, call the practice or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.
