Dental Crowns: Restore Your Smile in Langley, BC
Dental crowns are a reliable way to restore teeth that are damaged, weakened, or decayed. Often called ‘caps,’ they cover the entire visible portion of your tooth, bringing back its original shape, size, and strength. At Langley Community Dentist, we offer dental crowns to help protect your teeth and enhance your smile.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown acts like a custom-made 'cap' that fits over your entire tooth. It's designed to restore a tooth's original shape, size, and strength. This protective covering also helps improve the tooth's appearance. Crowns are a durable solution for teeth that are damaged or weakened, helping to protect them from further harm.
When Are Crowns a Good Option?
Dental crowns can be a suitable choice for various dental situations. They are often recommended to protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold parts of a cracked tooth together. Crowns can also restore a tooth that has already broken or is severely worn down.
You might consider a crown if you have:
- A tooth with a large filling that needs extra support
- A cracked, fractured, or severely decayed tooth
- A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
- A desire to improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth
Types of Dental Crowns
Crowns are made from various materials, each offering different benefits in terms of appearance and strength. Your dentist will discuss the best option for your specific needs.
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: These crowns are popular for their natural, tooth-like appearance. They are often chosen for front teeth where aesthetics are a primary concern.
- Zirconia Crowns: Known for their exceptional strength and durability, zirconia crowns also offer good aesthetics. They are a strong choice for both front and back teeth.
- Metal Alloy Crowns: Crowns made from gold or other metal alloys are very strong and resistant to wear. They are often used for back teeth where biting forces are strongest and appearance is less visible.
Key Benefits of Dental Crowns
Choosing a dental crown offers several important advantages for your oral health and smile.
- Restored Function: Crowns allow you to chew and speak comfortably, restoring the full function of a damaged tooth.
- Enhanced Appearance: They can significantly improve the look of a tooth, blending seamlessly with your natural smile.
- Long-Term Protection: A crown provides a strong barrier, protecting a weakened tooth from further decay or fracture.
- Increased Strength: Crowns reinforce the structure of a compromised tooth, making it more resilient to daily wear and tear.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown usually involves two visits to our clinic. This process is designed to ensure your new crown fits perfectly and looks natural.
- First Visit: Preparation and Impressions
During your initial appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth by gently reshaping it to make room for the crown. We will then take precise impressions of your tooth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where your custom crown will be crafted. A temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth while you wait for your permanent one.
- Second Visit: Crown Placement
Once your custom crown arrives from the lab, you will return for your second visit. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and carefully check the fit and colour of your new permanent crown. After any necessary adjustments, the crown will be securely bonded to your tooth. We will ensure your bite feels comfortable before you leave.
Your Comfort and Safety
Your comfort is a top priority at Langley Community Dentist. We understand that dental procedures can sometimes cause anxiety, and our team is here to support you. During the tooth preparation phase, we use local anesthetic to ensure you feel comfortable and at ease. Please feel free to ask any questions or share any concerns you have at any point during your visit. We are dedicated to making your experience as positive and stress-free as possible.
Caring For Your New Crown
With proper care, your new dental crown can last for many years. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, paying special attention around the base of your crown. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important to monitor the health of your crown and surrounding teeth. To protect your crown, try to avoid chewing on very hard foods, ice, or sticky candies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental crowns last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer. The lifespan depends on factors like the material used, your oral habits, and how well you care for your crown.
Will my crown look natural?
Yes, modern dental crowns, especially those made from porcelain or ceramic, are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We carefully match the colour, shape, and size to ensure your crown looks natural and enhances your smile.
Is getting a crown painful?
The procedure for placing a dental crown is typically not painful. We use local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring your comfort during the preparation and placement. You might experience some mild sensitivity or soreness after the anesthetic wears off, which usually subsides quickly.
Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity?
While the crown itself cannot decay, the tooth underneath it, particularly at the crown's margin where it meets the tooth, can still be susceptible to cavities. This is why maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups are very important to protect your crowned tooth.
How do I care for my temporary crown?
Temporary crowns are not as strong as permanent ones. To care for it, avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge it. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth if possible. Continue to brush gently, but be careful when flossing around the temporary crown to avoid pulling it off. If your temporary crown comes off or feels loose, please contact our office right away.
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