Dental Crowns
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Dental Crowns in Baton Rouge, LA
Living with damaged or decayed teeth can bring challenges and impact your overall quality of life. Fortunately, dental crowns have emerged as a reliable and effective solution to address the problems associated with damaged or decayed teeth. At O’Shee Family Dentistry, we understand the challenges of living with damaged teeth, and we are dedicated to helping our patients regain their oral health, function, and confidence through quality dental care, including dental crowns.
What is a Tooth Crown?
A dental crown, also known as a tooth crown or dental cap, is a custom-made restoration that covers and encases a damaged or decayed tooth. It is designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and overall appearance. Dental crowns are typically created from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials.
A dental crown may be recommended for various reasons, primarily when a tooth is significantly damaged, chipped, fractured, or has a large cavity that cannot be effectively repaired with a simple filling.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Reinforcing Tooth Structure and Functionality
When a tooth is weakened due to decay, chips, or fractures, a dental crown provides a protective and supportive covering. By encapsulating the tooth, the crown helps prevent further damage and restores the tooth’s strength and stability. With a dental crown in place, you can confidently bite and chew without worrying about potential tooth breakage or discomfort.
Enhancing Aesthetics and Smile Appearance
The crowns are crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result. Whether you have a discolored tooth, a misshapen tooth, or a visible dental implant, a crown can be customized to blend harmoniously with your smile.
Providing Long-lasting Durability and Strength
Dental crowns are renowned for their durability and longevity. They are designed to withstand the forces of normal biting and chewing, providing exceptional strength and stability. With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last for many years, providing a long-term solution for your damaged tooth.
Restoring Proper Bite Alignment and Chewing Ability
Dental crowns help restore the natural shape and size of the tooth, ensuring proper alignment within your dental arch. By correcting the bite and improving the occlusion, dental crowns contribute to a balanced and functional bite. This not only enhances your ability to chew and eat comfortably but also prevents additional strain on surrounding teeth and jaw joints.
What is Involved with a Dental Crown Procedure?
- Initial consultation and examination – The dental crown procedure begins with an initial consultation and examination. During this visit, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals and concerns, and determine if a dental crown is an appropriate treatment for your specific case.
- Tooth preparation and a digital scan – To ensure a precise fit, your tooth will be prepared for crown placement. This involves carefully reshaping the tooth to create space for the crown. Sometimes, the dentist may need to remove a small amount of tooth structure. Then, a digital scan will be taken to create an accurate image of your teeth. This scan will be sent to a lab to create your custom dental crown.
- Temporary crown placement (if necessary) – In some situations, a temporary crown may be placed over the prepared tooth while your permanent crown is fabricated. This temporary crown helps protect the tooth and maintain its appearance and function until the final restoration is ready.
- Final crown placement and adjustments – The digital scan taken during the tooth preparation is sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians will create your custom dental crown. Once your custom dental crown is ready, you will return to the dental office for the final placement. Dr. O’Shee will carefully remove the temporary crown (if present) and place the permanent crown over your prepared tooth. Then we will check the fit, color, and aesthetics of the crown and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and precise fit.
Types of Dental Crowns
When selecting a dental crown material, it is essential to consider factors such as the location of the tooth, functional requirements, and aesthetic goals. Dr. O’Shee will evaluate your needs and help determine the most suitable crown material for your situation.
- Porcelain Crowns – Porcelain crowns are popular for dental restorations due to their natural appearance and excellent aesthetic qualities. These crowns are carefully crafted to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth, resulting in a seamless blend with your smile. They are an ideal option for front teeth or visible areas where aesthetics are paramount.
- Zirconia Crowns – Zirconia crowns are known for their exceptional strength, durability, and biocompatibility. These crowns are made from a translucent material called zirconia, renowned for its high fracture resistance and longevity. They provide superior strength and withstand heavy biting forces, making them an ideal option for individuals who grind or clench their teeth.
Caring for Your Crown
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for the longevity and health of your dental crown. Dr. O’Shee recommends brushing and flossing your dental crown as if it was one of your natural teeth. While they are designed to be durable, it’s important to avoid certain foods that can potentially damage or dislodge the crown. Avoid biting on hard foods such as ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, or nuts, and stay away from sticky or chewy foods like caramels, toffee, or chewing gum. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential to maintaining the health of your crown. They allow dental professionals to maintain your crown and monitor changes after the final placement.
How Long Do Tooth Crowns Last?
The lifespan of dental crowns can vary depending on several factors. Different crown materials have varying levels of strength and resistance to wear and tear. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, plays a crucial role in the lifespan of your dental crown. A crown typically lasts 10 years, but with proper dental care, that same crown can last a lifetime!
At O’Shee Family Dentistry, we believe in providing personalized care, which includes evaluating each patient’s suitability for teeth whitening. Some factors to consider when determining if you are a candidate for dental bleaching:
- Good oral health
- Fully developed teeth
- Existing dental treatments
- Expectations and lifestyle
Tooth Replacement in Baton Rouge, LA
If you are dealing with damaged or compromised teeth and are seeking a solution to restore your smile’s beauty and functionality, we invite you to schedule a consultation at O’Shee Family Dentistry in Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. O’Shee will assess your specific needs, discuss treatment options, and provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve a beautiful, restored smile.