Dental Crowns An Overview
A dental crown is a permanent restorative treatment that covers the tooth like a “cap” to provide protection and stability to teeth affected by damage or decay. Fully encasing a tooth, they essentially become the new outer layer and will sit just above the gum line.
At Infinity Dental of Fox Lake, Dr. Prendergast uses a variety of materials for dental crowns, but the most popular is a porcelain crown. Porcelain dental crowns are highly durable, stain resistant, and very natural looking.
Dental Crowns in Fox Lake, IL
Dental crowns can be used to:
- Protect a tooth weakened by decay or damage
- Prevent chipped or broken tooth from breaking apart
- Restore teeth that are severely worn down
- Replace an existing restoration that covers more than half of the tooth
- Reinforce a tooth after root canal therapy
- Cover and support a tooth with a large dental filling when there isn’t enough remaining tooth structure
- Support a dental bridge
- Cover misshaped or severely discolored teeth
Dental crowns are also used in dental implants to restore beauty and function. While the dental implant serves as the replacement tooth root, the dental crown becomes the replacement tooth. Learn more about the benefits of dental implants.
Dr. Prendergast may also suggest using a dental crown for cosmetic purposes as well. With advances in dental technology, dental crowns look just like your natural teeth and will blend in with the rest of your smile. Since they encase the entire tooth, they have the ability to hide many cosmetic imperfections.
Dental Crown FAQs
Is it painful to have a crown put on your tooth?
No. The procedure includes local anesthetic. Your mouth will be numbed so that you do not feel pain during the process. After the crown has been placed and your mouth regains feeling, you should not be in pain. Contact us if you are in pain after a dental crown procedure.
How long do dental crowns last?
They can last at least 15 years. Their lifetime can depend on the type of materials used (resin, porcelain, silver, gold) and your daily oral health routine.
What can you eat with a permanent crown?
You can eat as you would normally. There is no special diet or restrictions. Crowns are durable and act as natural teeth.
Can a chipped crown be repaired?
Depending on the severity of the chip, you may need a new crown. Schedule an in-person consultation with our dentist before making any assumptions.
Can you whiten a dental crown?
No, porcelain crowns can not be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. They can stain over time, however their level of staining is usually less significant than that of natural teeth.