What’s a dental crown?
A dental crown is a prosthetic cap that your dentist places over your damaged, cracked, or decayed tooth to restore its function, strength, and improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Long Beach Family Dental Group uses dental crowns for the following situations:
- Cover severely discolored teeth
- Restore a broken tooth
- Protect a weak tooth from breaking
- Hold a dental bridge together
Regardless of whether your tooth is cosmetically or structurally damaged, the team can find a way to save your natural tooth and cover it with a crown.
What is the process of getting a crown?
The process of preparing your tooth for a permanent crown requires two visits to Long Beach Family Dental Group.
During the first visit, your dentist examines the tooth in question and may take X-rays to check your jaw bone and the roots of your tooth. After the oral exam, they numb your tooth and the surrounding gum tissue to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
After the area is numb, your dentist files your tooth down from all sides and reshapes it to make room for the crown. Then they take impressions of your teeth to ensure your crown fits perfectly.
Because it takes around two weeks to make your permanent crown, your dentist makes a temporary one to cover and protect your tooth in the meantime.
When you come back to the office, they replace your temporary crown with the permanent one making sure the fit and color are perfect.
How do I care for my dental crown?
Crowns last on average between 10-15 years as long as you take care of it as you would your natural teeth and by practicing good oral hygiene habits.
The team at Long Beach Family Dental Group recommends you avoid habits such as clenching or grinding your teeth, chewing ice, or using your teeth as an opening tool.
To learn more about crowns and how they can aesthetically improve your smile and your oral health, call Long Beach Family Dental Group or schedule your appointment online today.
