Dental crowns are used for restorative dentistry and cosmetic purposes. They are a very popular dental treatment that can provide lasting results for the stability of your dental health. Dr. Shruti Chahal places all types of dental crowns in Calgary, AB, to meet the varying needs of our patients. At our family dental office, we make crowns from various materials that suit your needs and aesthetic goals.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown fits over the entire tooth like a cap. Your dentist will permanently cement it to the affected tooth. The purpose of a crown is to protect and strengthen a tooth that has some damage.
Most tooth crowns resist stains and decay. They can last many years if you take good care of your oral health. Dentists also use crowns to cap a dental implant to replace a single tooth or to support and protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. This dental restoration offers lasting results that will look like a natural tooth.
Dentists place dental crowns to treat and address a wide range of concerns. They provide custom, natural-looking, lasting results that stabilize tooth structure. Dr. Chahal may recommend a dental crown for the following reasons:
- Damaged teeth: We can restore chipped teeth, broken teeth, and cracked teeth with a dental crown.
- Discolored tooth: If a single tooth is stained or discolored, a dental crown that matches the rest of your smile can balance your appearance.
- Root canal: After a root canal, a dentist may place a dental crown to support and strengthen the tooth and minimize the risk of loss down the road.
- Dental implant restoration: A custom dental crown is the final piece of a single dental implant. It serves as a prosthetic tooth to complete your smile.
Types of dental crowns can include metal, gold, porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia crowns. We prefer same-day crowns that use tooth-colored ceramic. Tooth-colored crowns are strong yet blend in with your natural teeth.
The Dental Crown Process
Dr. Chahal provides same-day dental crowns using the CEREC system. Treatment with dental crowns in Calgary, AB, includes these steps:
- Exam and Preparation: The first step is an exam and consultation to discuss your overall needs. We will also identify the most suitable type of crown and material to use. Dr. Chahal will take digital X-rays if necessary and prepare the tooth. She will need to remove the decay and damaged structure.
- Impressions: The next step is to take dental impressions of the prepared tooth to design and fabricate the new crown. Your custom crown will be made in a dental lab to Dr. Chahal’s specifications and color-matched to your natural teeth.
- Final Restoration: Dr. Chahal will work with you to ensure the final restoration is comfortable, making any necessary adjustments before permanently attaching it to the tooth. She then secures and polishes it for a smooth, natural texture and appearance.
How to Care for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer simple care. You can care for crowns and natural teeth with daily brushing and flossing. First, floss between your crowns to remove leftover food and bacteria. Then, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid toothpaste with ingredients like charcoal that can scratch your crown.
Our team can demonstrate how to floss around the new crown in our office. We will also monitor the integrity of the restoration during your routine dental visits. With good oral hygiene and preventative dental care, your dental crown will last for many years.
If you notice that your crown feels loose or if you damage it, contact our office. We will repair or replace it.
Dental Crown FAQs
Learn more about dental crowns in Calgary, AB, with answers to these common questions:
How long does it take for a dental crown to feel normal?
It typically takes a few days for patients to adjust to the feeling of crowns. Depending on the patient, some people report it taking 2 days, while others may say it took them 4 days to feel back to normal.
If discomfort continues past a week after your procedure, you should call our dentist. Schedule an appointment to have the crown checked.
Do crowns ruin your teeth?
We will reshape teeth before we place the crown. Then, our dentist will secure the crown to your tooth with dental cement.
In most cases, the cement will stay in place. If the cement washes away, the crown may become loose and shift in your mouth. Bacteria and plaque can build beneath the crown and can cause infections and tooth decay.
As soon as you feel a change in the fit of your crown, call our office. We will re-cement your crown.
How often do you need to replace tooth crowns?
Dental crowns are a semi-permanent solution, but they do not last forever. On average crowns last between five and fifteen years. After this, your dentist will need to replace or repair them.
What age do people get crowns?
Tooth crowns are for people of various ages who have severe tooth decay, cracked or broken teeth, or other dental problems that a dentist cannot treat with more conservative options such as fillings.
The specific age at which someone may need a crown can vary depending on their dental health, habits, and genetics. In general, however, people may need crowns as they get older, particularly as they reach middle age and beyond.
When does a patient need a tooth crown?
A patient may need a tooth crown if they have a tooth that has significant damage or decayed. A crown is a cap that fits over the tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength, and to improve its appearance.
A patient may need a tooth crown when they have had significant tooth decay or cracked or broken teeth. Patients could also choose a tooth crown for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
Can I eat with a dental crown?
Yes! You should eat normally with a dental crown. The crown replaces the natural tooth structure and functions just like a normal tooth.
However, you should avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods at first because they could damage the crown. If you brush and floss regularly, you can prevent any potential issues with the crown or underlying teeth.
Get Tooth Crowns Today
Cover damaged and missing teeth with long-lasting tooth crowns. Get custom-made crowns from Dr. Chahal. Call Foothills Dentistry at . You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Chahal online.
If you have questions about crowns, let us know at your next visit and we will help.