Dental Crowns

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are caps shaped like a tooth that is placed over the tooth, restoring it’s strength and shape. Crowns are designed to encase the entire visible portion of the tooth. Crowns can be made of various materials including stainless steel, metals such as gold, porcelain, resin, or ceramic.

A dental crown procedure usually will require two visits to the dentist. First involves an examination and prepping the tooth while the second visit will be installing the new dental crown. During your first visit, the dentist will prep your tooth, usually involving drilling and shaping the tooth, then use a putty to create a mold of the tooth requiring the crown. This mold is sent off to a lab that will create your new crown. You will receive a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. These are made of acrylic and fixed using a temporary cement. During this time, it is important to not eat sticky foods, hard foods, and be careful when flossing.

Some people feel discomfort or sensitivity with a new crown, especially after the procedure. You may also experience hot and cold sensitivity that may require a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If you have pain when you bite down, you should call your dentist and have them examine the crown for an easy adjustment. If a crown falls out due to decaying under the tooth or over time the cement material used to install the crown becomes loos, you should contact your dentist. Bacteria can begin to form and cause tooth decay. If you lose your crown or it feels loose, contact your dentist.