A dental crown is essentially a cap that looks like a natural tooth that is created and placed over a natural tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength, as well as to improve its appearance. Dental crowns may be neededΒ for several reasons, including:
To help you decide which type of crown will be the most ideal for you, our dentists will consider where the tooth is located and what its function is, the position of the gum tissue, how much of the tooth shows when smiling, the color of your natural teeth, and also your personal preference.
Until your permanent crown is safely in place, there are some precautions youβll need to take to protect the temporary crown. Avoid sticky and chewy foods, such as gum, which could dislodge the crown. Likewise, avoid extra crunchy or hard foods that could break the temporary crown or dislodge it. Pay close attention when you floss to slide the floss between the teeth on either side of the crown to avoid pulling the temporary crown off.
If your crown ever feels loose or if it falls out, call our office right away. We will provide instructions for how to care for your tooth and crown until we can schedule an appointment. Keep the crown, as we may be able to re-attach the crown. If an issue with fit has occurred, we may need to fabricate a new one.
With proper care, dental crowns can last for a long time. However, the lifespan of your crown will depend on your daily wear and tear, your oral care, and habits such as tooth grinding.
