Do you need to restore a cracked or damaged tooth? Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that completely cover a broken or worn-down tooth and protect it from further damage. Dental crowns mimic the look and feel of natural teeth and are most often used as solutions for severe cavities.
Dr. Escobar wants to do everything he can to keep your smile in top shape. Restorative dentistry with dental crown treatment in our Huntsville, TX office is one of the most effective ways to address problems like dental damage or worn teeth after root canals.
Dental Crown Treatment in Huntsville, TX
We often recommend dental crowns for patients to support a tooth after a root canal, add structure to worn or weakened teeth, and hold dental bridges or cover dental implants.
To begin crown treatment, we apply anesthesia to the treated area, then shape the affected tooth to create sufficient space for the crown. Then, we take dental impressions to send to a dental lab that will create a customized crown. We will place a temporary acrylic crown in the meantime. After three weeks, we remove the temporary crown and ensure that the permanent crown is the correct shape, shade, and size. Finally, we cement the final dental crown in place.
Partial crowns, or inlays and onlays, are similar to traditional dental crowns but cover a different part of the tooth. Inlays cover the tooth’s chewing surface within the cusps or sides of a tooth. Onlays cover the tooth’s chewing surface and sides. Like dental crowns, inlays and onlays are color-matched to match single teeth.
The Many Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are versatile and widely used in dentistry to address various oral health issues and improve smiles. These custom-made restorations are crucial in protecting, restoring, and enhancing teeth.
Protecting Weak Teeth
Dental crowns protect weak or damaged teeth from further harm. Teeth weakened by decay, large fillings, or fractures can break under pressure. A crown encases the tooth, providing a sturdy barrier against daily chewing forces. This protection helps preserve the tooth and prevents the need for extraction.
Restoring Broken or Worn-Down Teeth
Teeth can become broken or worn down due to trauma, grinding, or acid erosion. Dental crowns restore these teeth to their natural size and shape, making them functional again. By covering the damaged tooth entirely, a crown allows patients to eat, chew, and speak comfortably.
Supporting Dental Bridges
Dental crowns are essential in supporting dental bridges. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent healthy teeth, called abutment teeth. These teeth are fitted with crowns that hold the bridge securely in place. This setup restores the patient’s bite and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment.
Covering Dental Implants
A dental crown is the visible part of a dental implant. After an implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, a crown is attached to the top, creating a natural-looking replacement tooth. Crowns on implants blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth, restoring both function and appearance.
Enhancing the Appearance of Teeth
Dental crowns are commonly used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the look of teeth. They can cover teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned. Crowns made from materials like porcelain mimic the color and translucency of natural teeth, giving patients a bright and attractive smile.
Strengthening Teeth After Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. While this procedure saves the tooth, it can leave it brittle and prone to fractures. A dental crown placed over the treated tooth restores its strength and function, protecting it from future damage.
Correcting Bite Issues
Dental crowns help correct bite problems by reshaping teeth that are too small, uneven, or worn down. A properly aligned bite prevents excessive wear on teeth and reduces strain on the jaw joint. Patients often experience improved comfort and oral function after getting crowns for this purpose.
Replacing Large Fillings
A dental crown may be the best option when a tooth has a large filling that weakens its structure. Large fillings can leave little natural tooth structure to support chewing forces. A crown provides full coverage, ensuring the tooth remains strong and durable.
Protecting Teeth with Cracks
Cracked teeth can be painful and vulnerable to further damage. A dental crown holds the tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading. This protection can save the tooth and alleviate discomfort when chewing or biting.
Treating Teeth with Severe Erosion
Acid erosion caused by dietary habits, acid reflux, or certain medical conditions can wear away tooth enamel. Dental crowns restore the affected teeth by providing a protective layer over the damaged surfaces. This restoration improves appearance and prevents further enamel loss.
Long-Term Durability
Dental crowns are designed to last for many years with proper care. Modern materials like porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia offer strength and longevity. These crowns withstand daily wear and tear, making them a reliable solution for various dental problems.
Dental Crown FAQs
If you are getting a toot crown for the first time, you may have a few questions about what to expect. We welcome all questions from our patients so they can learn more about the treatment they need. Please look over the most popular questions and answers we receive about dental crowns. Contact us if you have further questions.
Will my dental insurance cover a dental crown?
Dental insurance usually helps pay for part of the cost of dental crowns, but how much it covers can differ for each plan. Most insurance plans see crowns as a big dental job and often pay for half the cost after you’ve spent a certain amount first. However, the coverage might change based on what the crown is made of, where the tooth is in your mouth, and if you need the crown for your health. It’s a good idea to call your insurance company to find out precisely what they’ll cover and how much you’ll need to pay yourself.
How long will my tooth crown last?
Dental crowns usually last a long time, between 5 to 15 years. How long they last depends on a few things, like how well you care for your teeth, what you use them for, and what the crown is made of. The type of crown you get also makes a difference. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns last about ten years, while all ceramic ones last even longer. Remember to brush and floss your teeth well every day, try not to grind your teeth, and don’t skip your dentist appointments to ensure your crown’s longevity.
Can I whiten my dental crown?
Your dentist won’t be able to whiten your dental crown. The whitening agents we use to whiten teeth do not work on any dental restoration, including crowns. But here’s a tip: if you want whiter teeth and you’re planning to get a crown, do the professional teeth whitening first. Then, your dentist can match the crown to your newly whitened teeth so that everything looks nice and even.
Can my dental crown fall off and what should I do if it does?
Yes, dental crowns can sometimes fall out, however it is not very common. If your crown falls out, don’t panic. Gently rinse your mouth with water and try to put the crown back in place temporarily. Then, contact our Huntsville, TX dentist office right away to schedule an appointment so your dentist can properly re-cement the crown.
Can I get a dental crown if I grind my teeth?
Yes, you can still get a tooth crown even if you grind your teeth. However, it is important to mention your teeth grinding habit to your dentist. They may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth and crown from the effects of grinding.
Can dental crowns replace missing teeth?
A dental crown alone cannot replace a missing tooth. However, crowns play a crucial role in tooth replacement procedures. Your dentist can use them for dental implant treatment, where they will attach the crown to an implant post. Your dentist can also use them to secure a dental bridge, where they will place a crown on adjacent teeth to support the restoration.
Protect Your Smile
If you’re interested in dental crowns, call (936) 220-3158 or request a dental appointment online.
Our office serves a large majority of the Huntsville micropolitan area, including cities and towns such as New Waverly, Phelps, Dodge, Arizona, Riverside, Oakhurst, Point Blank, Stephen Creek, Cape Royale, Wolf Creek, Waverly, Ada, Willis, Shiro, Richards, Roans Prairie, Singleton, Bedias, Madisonville, Connor, Conroe, Panorama Village, Montgomery, and Cut and Shoot. We cannot wait to help you achieve the smile you deserve!