Kingston TN
Dental crowns are a popular procedure in restorative dentistry. If you’re an adult, it’s possible that you may already have a crown. Crowns are designed to replace the entire exterior of a tooth, down to the gum line, to protect the tooth from damage and prevent potential tooth loss. If the dentist recommends a crown and you opt not to get one, it’s likely the tooth may cause pain later, if it hasn’t already, or eventually may need to be extracted. So, crowns are an excellent way to save a badly damaged tooth. But when is a crown the best option to repair a tooth? Our dentist in Kingston answers that question on the blog today.
Why dentists recommend crowns
Our approach at LakeView Dental Arts is to use the most conservative treatment possible. If we can repair your tooth with a less invasive treatment, like a filling or dental bonding, that’s what we’ll recommend. But in cases where there is little to no tooth left after the dentist removes the damage or decay, it’s likely a crown is your best option.
Dental crowns are ideal after a root canal or for repairing teeth that are:
- Severely chipped or broken
- Fractured
- Significantly damaged due to decay
What’s it like to get a crown?
Thanks to the CAD-cam CERED technology we now have at our office in Kingston, you can receive a crown in a single day from LakeView Dental Arts. First, any damaged area will be removed, along with enough enamel to accommodate the crown. Next, a member of our team scans the shape of the tooth with a small wand. We enter the data from that scan into our computer system and mill your new crown chairside.
While most patients can receive same-day crowns, you may need to return later in the day to have the crown installed, depending on the materials used. In those cases where a second appointment is needed to complete the process, one of our Kingston dentists will place a temporary crown over your tooth that you’ll wear until your permanent crown is fabricated.
Once your crown is in place, one of our dentists will adjust the crown to ensure it fits properly and the bite feels comfortable. Once in place, you won’t be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and your new crown. Crowns are made from dental porcelain and shaded to blend with your other teeth, so it will look completely natural.
What should I expect after my crown?
Initially, you may experience mild discomfort, but you should be able to carry on with your usual tasks or return to work. We recommend that you brush and floss daily to keep the area around your crown clean and reduce the risk of gum disease. You should expect your crown to last at least a decade, although in some cases, crowns have been known to last for 20 or more years. You’ll love the results because the porcelain crown looks just like a real tooth. Whether you have a tooth in the back or front crowned, no one will be able to tell that you have a crown.
Dental Crowns in Kingston, Tennessee
Crowns are a great way to preserve your damaged tooth and help you maintain your smile confidence. If you would like to learn more about crowns or are ready to schedule a consultation, please contact LakeView Dental Arts by calling (865) 376-9687.
