Dental crowns are an essential component of restorative dentistry. These teeth-shaped restorations are sometimes called “caps.” By fully covering teeth, they can fortify even severely damaged teeth and conceal large cosmetic flaws. With a variety of materials to choose from, your dentist can design a crown that looks realistic and maintains the balance of your bite.
At Miracle Dental, Dr. Ann Pham and Halan Tran are dedicated to patient education. By keeping you informed about every step of treatment at our Las Vegas, NV, office they can ensure that you feel comfortable and confident about your care.
Below, you will find answers to some common questions about dental crowns. Have further questions? Reach out to our office today!
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last between 5 and 15 years, although some can last much longer. For instance, one 2013 study found that 85% of dental crowns were still going strong after 25 years.
The longevity of dental crowns will also depend on several factors, including:
- Whether you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Whether the crown has been placed in conjunction with root canal therapy
- What type of material the crown is made from
- How well you care for your restoration
Why do I need a crown instead of a basic filling?
A crown is a much larger restoration than a filling and, as a result, requires more tooth preparation and tissue removal. Nonetheless, it may be necessary if you have a very large cavity that has compromised the majority of your tooth structure.
Moreover, dental crowns can be used for other purposes than repairing tooth decay. Dr. Pham or Dr. Tran may recommend a crown if you have a cracked tooth, a dental infection, dark internal staining, or an imbalanced bite. They can also place a crown on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
Will it hurt to get a crown?
Thanks to our local anesthesia and our doctors’ decades of experience, you will feel almost nothing when you receive your crown. Afterwards, you may have some slight sensitivity, particularly in response to temperature changes. But these minor twinges should go away after a few days.
Do dental crowns look realistic?
Absolutely! Older metal crowns will not blend in with your smile. However, most patients opt for all-porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations. Both types of dental crowns can be color-matched to blend harmoniously with your smile. All-porcelain restorations are particularly realistic since the metal framework of PFM crowns may eventually start to show through the outer porcelain layer.
How do I care for my crown?
Although crowns themselves are not subject to decay, bacteria can still get underneath and affect the remaining structure of your tooth. Fortunately, regular dental maintenance, including brushing, flossing, and biannual cleanings, is typically all that is necessary to care for your crown.
If you suffer from bruxism, you should also seek treatment, since this condition can shorten the lifespan of your crown. Treatment usually consists of wearing a custom-made night guard while you sleep.
Contact Us to Learn More
Want to learn more about dental crowns and our other restorative treatments? Contact our office today!
Complete our online contact form or give us a call at (702) 456-0056.
