The Top Dental Crown FAQs – Everything You Need To Know!

Dental crowns are one of the most common treatments in dentistry, and they’re ideal for repairing teeth that have been damaged by decay or oral trauma. But you may have some questions about these dental prostheses, so we’ve put together a list of a few common FAQs we often hear at Forest Lake Smiles. Get the answers you need below.

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What Types Of Dental Crowns Are Available?

The most common type of dental crowns are porcelain dental crowns. These crowns are made from a ceramic material that’s very similar to your natural enamel. Since they look and feel very natural, they are the best choice for restoring front teeth, where the crown will be highly visible.

Gold crowns are also used. Gold is very pliable and durable, and it lasts a very long time, but it’s usually only used in the rear teeth, since most patients prefer to avoid the look of a “gold tooth.”

Stainless steel crowns are also an option, and are frequently used to treat damaged baby teeth, since they are inexpensive. They are not often used for adults, and are not usually used for front teeth, since they have a grayish-silver appearance that looks unnatural. 

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What Steps Are Needed To Prepare A Tooth For A Crown?

Getting a crown takes two appointments. At your first appointment, Dr. Jonathan Siverson will take the steps that are required to prepare your tooth for a crown. First, your mouth will be cleaned and numbed to ensure your comfort.

Using a dental drill, Dr. Siverson will clean away any decayed or damaged material from the tooth, and trim your tooth into a stable platform for your dental crown. After this, impressions will be taken of the tooth and sent to a lab where your crown will be built. Dr. Siverson will attach a temporary crown and send you home. You’ll come back for your permanent crown in 2-3 weeks.

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How Should I Care For My Temporary Crown? 

Your temporary crown will protect your tooth until your permanent crown is placed, but it is a bit fragile, so you need to take some special steps to care for it. 

Don’t chew for at least an hour after your appointment. Avoid hard, tough, or sticky foods, and chew on the opposite side of your mouth, if possible. You can continue to brush normally, but be careful when flossing near the temporary crown to avoid damaging or dislodging it. 

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What Problems Arise With Dental Crowns?

There are no common problems that arise with dental crowns immediately after treatment. Improper oral hygiene can cause decay to form underneath the crown, but this is rare if you brush and floss regularly. 

Over time, the adhesive that holds the crown onto the tooth may also wear out. Eventually, it will need to be re-attached to the tooth. Crowns can also crack or become damaged just like natural teeth, so be careful when chewing, and avoid doing things that could damage your teeth or crown. 

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Is Special Care Needed For Permanent Dental Crowns? 

No. Your crown will function just like a natural tooth, so you can treat it like one. Just brush and floss like you normally would, and see the team at Forest Lake Smiles every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning. 

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Contact Us Today If You Need Dental Crowns In Forest Lake 

If you have a large cavity or damaged tooth in Forest Lake, Dr. Jonathan Siverson and the team at Forest Lake Smiles can help you get back to your day-to-day life. With custom-made porcelain crowns, you can restore your smile and your bite quickly. Contact us online or give us a call at (651) 464-8207 to schedule a consultation today.