Crowns

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a strong, thin, tooth-colored cover designed to surround the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth. Crowns are often used to provide additional strength and protection to broken or badly decayed teeth. They can also be used to hide deep discoloration and stains that can’t be treated with teeth whitening solutions. Crowns are usually applied to teeth after root canal therapy. They’re also used to protect teeth supported by a dental bridge.

How are crowns applied to my teeth?

The crown application typically requires two dental office visits. During the first visit, a small amount of the tooth surface material is removed to make room for the crown. This is to allow the crown to rest comfortably on the tooth without crowding adjacent teeth. If the tooth is decayed, the decayed portion is also treated.

Your dentist takes an impression or digital scan of the tooth before placing a temporary crown to protect it. The impression or digital scan is sent to a dental lab that makes crowns and it is tinted to match the color of the surrounding teeth. At the second appointment, your dentist removes the temporary crown and applies the permanent crown using strong dental adhesive cement.

Do crowns require special care?

No. Crowns can be cared for with regular brushing and flossing and routine dental checkups, just like natural teeth. Crowns cannot be whitened, so many patients opt to have their teeth whitened before crown placement.

How long does a crown last?

Crowns are exceptionally durable and with proper care, they can last for more than 15 years. To keep a crown in top condition, brush and floss regularly, visit the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings, and avoid chewing on hard foods or objects like ice, hard candy, or pencils.

What happens if a crown gets damaged?

If a crown gets cracked, chipped, or broken, it must be replaced as soon as possible to prevent decay and damage to the underlying tooth. The team at Sunrise Dental is skilled in crown replacement. They can repair damage or decay to the underlying tooth structure and fabricate a new crown to restore the strength and function of the tooth.

To learn more about crowns and whether they’re right for you, call Sunrise Dental today or book an appointment online.