What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and function. Crowns are custom-made to blend with natural teeth, protecting weak teeth and improving your smile’s appearance. Patients often wonder about the dental crown cost in Ohio, which may vary depending on the tooth’s condition and material.
Crowns have become a foundation of restorative dentistry by covering and supporting teeth that might otherwise be lost. They help people keep chewing normally and prevent the spread of damage that can lead to more complex dental issues.
When Is a Dental Crown Needed?
Dentists may recommend a crown for a cracked, weakened, or badly decayed tooth. After a root canal, a tooth is often capped with a crown for extra protection. Crowns also secure dental bridges and cover dental implants. According to the American Dental Association, crowns may also be used to fix misshapen or severely stained teeth.
The decision to place a crown depends on protecting the tooth’s structure, restoring normal bite, and supporting oral health in the long term. Crowns are an effective way to reinforce a tooth and prevent further damage or tooth loss.
Types of Dental Crown Materials
Crowns can be made from several materials. All-ceramic and porcelain crowns look natural, making them popular for visible teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns balance strength and appearance, while metal crowns are durable for back teeth. Resin crowns are a more affordable, temporary choice.
Dentists, such as those at North Orange Family Dentistry, advise choosing a crown material based on location in the mouth, durability needed, appearance, and budget, helping patients feel confident in their final decision.
The Dental Crown Procedure
A crown is typically placed over two visits. At the first appointment, the dentist reshapes the tooth and makes an impression to craft a perfect fit. In the meantime, a temporary crown protects your tooth. The finished crown is adjusted and cemented on the second visit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes the importance of treatments like crowns for maintaining strong oral health as we age.
Caring for Your New Crown
To keep a crown healthy, brush and floss daily, and don’t skip regular dental visits. While the crown cannot decay, the underlying tooth still can, especially where the crown and gum meet. If you grind your teeth, a night guard can add protection.
Avoid chewing ice or opening packages with your teeth. Well-cared-for crowns with good habits and professional care can last many years, frequently 10 to 15 years or more.
Additional Resources
For more information, the American Dental Association provides patient-friendly guidance on crowns, and the CDC shares crucial oral health tips for adults of all ages. Crowns are a trusted, effective solution for first-time patients, making restorative dentistry more approachable and ensuring brighter, healthier smiles.
