The Key to Saving & Restoring Damaged Teeth
Having damaged or decayed teeth shouldn’t be a reason to stop smiling. Our Kingwood, TX dentist, Dr. Derek Scott offers dental crowns as a restorative option for patients seeking an easy and effective way to restore the look and feel of their tooth. Our experienced dentist is dedicated to helping you achieve your oral health goals and making sure you’re comfortable during your procedure.
Our Kingwood dental practice is proud to offer restorative dentistry options to patients in Humble, Atascocita, Porter, and the surrounding Texas area.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are restorations used to strengthen a tooth or improve its shape. They’re most often used for teeth that are broken, worn out, or partially destroyed by tooth decay. Crowns are “cemented” onto an existing tooth and fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In essence, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface. Our Kingwood dentist offers crowns made of porcelain, metal, or both.
All-Porcelain Crowns vs. Metal-Fused Porcelain Crowns
Both all-porcelain crowns and metal-fused crowns are designed to perfectly match the shape and color of your smile. Some patients may choose metal-fused crowns because they’re typically stronger and more durable than all-porcelain crowns. All-porcelain crowns can last 10 to 15 years while metal-fused crowns last 25 years or longer. However, metal-fused crowns are easily visible and can hinder the appearance of your smile.
All-porcelain crowns are a good choice if you’re looking to achieve a more natural look. Our dentist will choose a color shade that closely matches the surrounding teeth, making the cap unnoticeable. All-porcelain crowns are typically quicker to place because your dentist won’t need to remove as much of the tooth as with a metal cap. Although there are many pros to all-porcelain crowns, one of the biggest cons is that they wear out faster than metal-fused crowns. They’re also more prone to breakage if the patient eats something hard or gets hit in the mouth.
The Dental Crown Process
During your first visit, Dr. Scott will prepare the tooth by cleaning it and reshaping it to make room for the crown. This involves removing any decay or damage from the tooth, as well as reducing its size so that the crown can fit properly. The dentist will also take impressions of the tooth and surrounding teeth, which will be used to create a custom-made crown that fits snugly and looks natural.
You will then be fitted with a temporary crown, which will be worn until the permanent crown is ready. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of crown. Once the permanent crown is ready, you will return to our Kingwood office for the final fitting. The temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be placed on the tooth and be adjusted as necessary. The dentist will then check the bite and make any final adjustments to ensure that the crown is comfortable and looks natural.
The final step is to cement the crown in place. Once the dental crown is cemented, the tooth is restored to its normal function. It is important for you to maintain good oral hygiene and to have regular check-ups with Dr. Scott to ensure the longevity of the crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental crowns take?
Only two appointments are required for dental crowns. Your first appointment may take 60 minutes to complete, while your fitting appointment may take as few as 30 minutes. At your initial consultation, the dentist will provide you with an estimated treatment timeline. The length of your procedure may also vary depending on your oral health condition.
Does receiving dental crowns hurt?
Receiving dental crowns is a virtually painless process. Your dentist will administer local anesthetic to numb your targeted tooth and surrounding area before beginning the procedure. While you may experience some sensitivity afterwards, this usually subsides on its own over time.
How do I care for my dental crown?
You should brush and floss around your crown daily. Although crowns can’t get cavities, bacteria can settle along the edges and harm the supporting tooth. Taking good care of your dental crown will increase its longevity so that they can be replaced less often.
Restore Your Smile’s Appearance With Dr. Scott
Are you dealing with a damaged or decayed tooth? A dental crown may be the solution you’re looking for. Don’t let a damaged tooth hold you back any longer. Contact us today at (281) 358-3125 to schedule a consultation and see if a dental crown is right for you. Our experienced dentist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and budget. Don’t wait, take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile now.