Understanding Dental Crowns
When it comes to restoring a damaged tooth, dental crowns are one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions available. At Kingston Beach Dental, we often recommend crowns for patients who need to strengthen or protect their teeth while also enhancing their smile.
Why Choose a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns serve multiple purposes, making them an excellent choice for a variety of dental issues. Here are some key reasons why crowns might be recommended:
1. Restoration: If a tooth is weakened due to large old fillings, decay, injury, or after a root canal, a crown can restore its function. Crowns provide strength and durability, allowing you to chew and bite confidently.
2. Protection: In cases where a tooth is cracked or worn down, a crown can prevent further damage by covering the entire visible surface of the tooth. This protection helps avoid more invasive treatments down the line.
3. Improved Appearance: Crowns are custom-made to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless appearance. If you have a misshapen or discoloured tooth, a crown can significantly improve the look of your smile.
4. Longevity: Crowns are made from strong materials like tooth coloured porcelain or metal (usually gold) which makes them a durable solution. With proper care, they can last for many years, sometimes even decades.
The Process of Getting a Crown
At Kingston Beach Dental, we strive to make the crown procedure as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to expect:
1. Initial Consultation, Assessment & Quotation: The first step is a consultation, where we assess the condition of your tooth to determine if a crown is the best option. We may take X-rays to get a closer look at the tooth and surrounding bone structure.
2. Tooth Preparation: Once you’ve decided that a crown is the right solution, we’ll prepare the tooth. This involves removing a small portion of the tooth's outer structure to make space for the crown. If the tooth is severely damaged, we may need to build it up with a filling material before fitting the crown.
3. Digital Scan and Temporary Crown: After the tooth is prepared, we’ll take a digital scan of your tooth,(this is instead of a rubber impression). These digital scans are sent to a dental lab, where your custom crown will be crafted to fit perfectly over the tooth. In the meantime, we’ll place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth until your permanent crown is ready.
4. Fitting the Permanent Crown: Once your custom crown is ready (usually within a couple of weeks), you’ll return to the clinic for the final fitting. We’ll remove the temporary crown, check the fit and appearance of the permanent one, and make any necessary adjustments. Once you're happy with the fit, the crown is cemented in place.
5. Aftercare: After your crown is placed, we’ll provide you with guidelines on how to care for it. Crowns don’t require any special maintenance beyond good oral hygiene practices—brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting us for routine checkups.
Is a Crown the Right Choice for You?
If you’re dealing with a damaged or weakened tooth, a crown could be the ideal solution. It offers a blend of durability, functionality, and aesthetics, making it a versatile treatment option. Our team at Kingston Beach Dental will help guide you through the process and ensure your crown fits comfortably and looks great.
Ready to Strengthen Your Smile with a Crown? If you think a crown could be the right solution for you then please contact us. At Kingston Beach Dental, we’re here to help you get the lasting results you deserve.
