General Dentistry: What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is one of the most popular methods of dental restoration within general dentistry. When a tooth becomes severely damaged due to decay, it is likely that a dental crown can restore the tooth. Want to know more about dental crowns and what they do? We are here to help! In this article, we outline what a dental crown is, how it works and what it can do for your teeth. If you’re considering a dental crown then this information may be useful to you.

General dentistry: what is a dental crown?

General dentists often recommend a dental crown to restore teeth that are in bad shape due to decay, cracking or chipping. They can also be used to replace teeth that are completely missing. Below, we discuss everything that is necessary to know regarding these dental restorations. Read on to find out more!

A dental crown is a cap-like piece made out of various dental materials. These caps are placed over an existing tooth to restore it or a missing tooth to replace it. When used to restore a tooth, they completely cover the existing tooth so that it is no longer vulnerable to decay or damage. However, when a dental crown is used to replace a missing tooth, it works in conjunction with a dental implant or bridge.

Dental crowns are typically made of porcelain, alloy metals, gold or ceramic materials. They are all completely safe and durable, which makes them a great option for tooth restoration or replacement. There are benefits and downfalls to each material, but ultimately, it is best to consult with a general dentist about which material may be most suitable.

The dental crown procedure

During a general dentistry appointment, the dentist will likely go over what the procedure is like so that the patient knows what to expect. A dental crown procedure happens to be one of the most commonly practiced procedures and it is relatively straightforward.

Prior to the actual crown placement, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth that needs the dental crown. The impression will be sent off to a dental lab and the patient will return for another appointment once the crowns have been completed. Some general dentistry practices have access to CAD/CAM technology which can create porcelain crowns on demand, in office.

The general dentist will completely clean the tooth to ensure that there is no bacteria or leftover debris on the existing tooth that could get in the way of the crown placement. Any severely damaged areas will be removed from the tooth prior to placement. Once the tooth has been etched so that the crown fits, a dental cement will be placed. The cement ensures that the dental crown sticks to the existing tooth. Finally, the crown will be gently but securely placed on top of the tooth.

Most of the time, there is some minor sensitivity on or around the tooth after a dental crown procedure. After a few hours, the tooth should be completely functional again, thus allowing for restoration!

Get started today!

Are dental crowns something that you’re considering? Let our team help you. Our general dentists can evaluate you and help determine whether or not a dental crown is for you. Give us a call or stop by our office today so that we can get started!

Request an appointment here: https://www.drbrucematson.com or call Bruce Matson, DDS at (713) 481-4626 for an appointment in our Houston office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

How Many Visits Does It Take To Get A Dental Crown?

When getting a dental crown, you might wonder how many visits you need to make before you can get the restoration. Usually, you can expect to have around two office visits to complete the process. There are several steps involved, so you might want to understand each one a bit better. Keep reading to learn…

What To Do When Your Dental Crown Falls Out

A dental crowns is a critical device for both your oral health and the aesthetics of your smile. If you have damaged teeth or other cosmetic problems, a dentist may recommend a crown. One may also come in handy if you have a large cavity or an infection in a tooth. Crowns are strong and…

Should You Fix Your Teeth With A Dental Crown Or A Dental Bridge?

Looking for information on whether a dental crown or dental bridge is better for repairing damaged teeth? These two popular tooth repair options are commonly used to fix problem teeth. When it comes to which option should be used, it depends on the reason why each patient needs dental repair. Read on to find out…

Commonly Asked Dental Crowns Questions

Understanding the reasons for dental crowns allows those in need of restoration treatment to know if this treatment is the right option for them. Asking a general dentist about dental crowns allows individuals to get the detailed information they need, as general dentists perform restoration services on a daily basis, thus making them experts on…

Bruce Matson, DDS

Share
Published by
Bruce Matson, DDS

Recent Posts

The Root Canal Procedure Explained: Step-by-Step

A root canal removes the interior living tissues of a tooth in order to combat…

3 weeks ago

How a Dental Bridge Can Improve Your Oral Health

Dental bridges provide many benefits, including improving one's ability to eat and communicate.

2 months ago

3 Things To Ask Your Dentist About Teeth Whitening

Whitening treatments are customizable to fit the patient’s budget, time frame, and preferences. Read on…

3 months ago

4 Reasons to Get General Dentistry Preventive Treatments

Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a…

4 months ago

Same Day Denture Repair

Learn how same-day denture repair services can help you. When your dentures chip, crack or…

5 months ago

How a Family Dentist Restores Damaged or Missing Teeth

Here are the details on how a family dentist can bring back your damaged or…

6 months ago