Do you have chipped or cracked teeth that make it hard to bite and chew? Do some of your teeth need extra support? A dental crown might be the what you’re looking for. A dental crown is a cap that fully covers a tooth or dental restoration.
These custom-made restorations can consist of materials like porcelain or zirconium. They restore both the look and function of your smile. Dr. Melvin Benson provides dental crowns in Sarasota, FL, and other restorative treatments.
What Can Dental Crowns Fix?
A dental crown is an important restoration. It has many uses in modern dentistry, helping to restore a tooth’s function and make it look natural again. Crowns can fix both restorative and cosmetic issues. For example, they can:
- Fix fractured, chipped, and cracked teeth
- Stabilize a dental bridge
- Improve the appearance discolored teeth
- Cover a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
Dr. Benson often suggests crowns for patients with weak enamel, and after a root canal. Dental crowns create a more stable bite and add strength to teeth. We make them using durable compounds that make your teeth stronger.
The Benefits of a Dental Crown
A dental crown is essential for supporting your dental health. Dr. Benson will recommend a dental crown for the following beneficial reasons:
- Restores tooth structure: Crowns fix decay, injury, and wear on damaged teeth. They make the tooth strong again and prevents the damage from getting worse.
- Protects the tooth: Crowns shield weak teeth from bacteria and more damage. This is especially important for teeth that have had root canals or large fillings.
- Return the tooth to natural appearance: A dental crown matches the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Your smile will look much better and not stand out with a crown. They improve the overall look of your teeth.
- Restores function: Crowns help you chew and speak comfortably and normally. They have grooves that work well under pressure and during normal eating.
- Prevents tooth Fractures: When a dentist repairs cracked or weak molars, they usually crown them. This prevents those teeth from breaking more and keeps the tooth strong.
- Crowns can last for many years: Crowns are durable and can last many years with good care. This helps you maintain great dental health over time.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays, also known as partial crowns, are tooth-colored restorations that cover different parts of the tooth than crowns do.
- Inlays cover the flat surface of a tooth between the sides or cusps, similar to fillings.
- Onlays cover the chewing surface and the cusps of the tooth.
Both inlays and onlays can consist of porcelain or composite resin. We choose materials that match the color of your natural teeth so they blend in well. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference between their natural teeth and the restorations. These treatments also add extra strength to the tooth.
Dental Crown Treatment in Sarasota, FL
We use Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC®) to make custom, same-day dental crowns. With CEREC®, we can take digital impressions, design crowns, and make them right in our office in just one visit. This means you won’t need to wait weeks, like with older methods where the dentist sends impressions to a lab. CEREC technology uses computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM).
Here’s how it works:
- Digital Impressions: We use a handheld scanner to create a 3D image of your teeth and gums. This gives us a clear picture of your smile.
- Design: Our computer software uses the 3D image to design your crown and show you what your smile will look like with it.
- Milling: The CEREC milling machine carves the crown from a ceramic block based on the design.
- Fitting: We check that the crown fits well and matches the color of your teeth before cementing it in place.
CEREC® crowns are durable and permanent, but the dentist can remove them if needed.
Post-Operative Care
To keep your crowns healthy and intact, follow these tips:
- Eat Soft Foods: Avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods that can damage or dislodge your new crown. Damaging the crown can also introduce harmful bacteria to your teeth and gums.
- Continue Your Oral Hygiene Routine: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your crown and natural teeth. Avoid using toothpaste with abrasive materials, especially whitening toothpaste.
- Contact Us If Needed: If your crown feels loose, you experience sensitivity to sweet foods, or you notice any damage, call Integrated Dental.
Dental Crown FAQs
Read through these answers to common questions about dental crowns. If you have more concerns or questions, please contact us during our office hours.
What Should I do if My Crown Falls Out?
If your dental crown falls out or gets damaged, call your dentist as soon as possible. Our staff will fit you into our schedule quickly. Save the crown, as we may be able to re-cement it onto the tooth. Protect the tooth until we can see you, and call our office for instructions and how to preserve the crown.
How Long Will My Crown Last?
With proper care, your dental crown can last up to 15 years or more. Good oral hygiene is key to making your crown last. Brush and floss daily and visit our Sarasota dental office twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.
Can I Get a Crown on My Front Tooth?
Dentists can place crowns on any tooth, even a front tooth. They are custom-made to fit perfectly and blend in naturally. Molds of your teeth ensure a proper fit. The crown will go all the way down to your gum line and look just like your other teeth.
Is a Dental Crown Painful?
Getting a dental crown should not be painful. The dentist numbs the area around the tooth so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Most people say it feels like getting a tooth filling.
After the procedure, your tooth might feel sensitive and ache for a day or so. This should go away in a few days. If the sensitivity lasts longer then a week, please contact Dr. Benson for specific instructions.
What Happens if I Chip My Tooth Crown?
If your dental crown chips, schedule an appointment to see Dr. Benson right away. Contact Integrated Dental as soon as possible to set up your visit. Avoid chewing on the tooth until your visit to prevent further damage.
Dr. Benson may be able to repair the chip in the office. If the crown is badly damaged, he may need to replace it.
Is It Normal for a New Crown to be Sensitive?
Yes, after the anesthesia wears off, your tooth will be sensitive. It may be sensitive to variations in temperature and pressure. This sensation should go away after a few days, as your mouth adjusts to the new crown. If not, please see your dentist for a checkup.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover My Tooth Crown?
Most dental insurance plans cover dental crowns if they are medically necessary. For example, if you have significant tooth decay and need it restored for protection, your policy will cover part of the cost. However, coverage will vary from policy to policy.
Most dental insurance plans cover 50% to 80% of the cost of a crown. However, insurance is unlikely to pay for a crown if it’s for cosmetic reasons. Check with your insurance company for details.
What is the Difference Between a Crown and a Dental Veneer?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a prepared natural tooth. It encases the whole tooth down to the gum line. Your dentist will use it to strengthen and protect damaged or decaying teeth.
A dental veneer, on the other hand, only covers the front surface of a natural tooth. It hides minor blemishes and is for cosmetic purposes, not for restoring tooth strength. The dentist removes a small layer of enamel to place a veneer, while a crown requires more of the tooth to be removed.
Request an Appointment Today
If you have questions about treatments with a dental crown, call Dr. Benson at Integrated Dental. You can schedule an appointment online or call Integrated Dental at 941-270-9755. We provide patients with restorations that look and work naturally and last for many years.