A dental crown is a type of restoration used to repair and protect a chipped, cracked, or badly decaying tooth. Once placed, a crown covers the entire portion of your tooth that sits above your gum line, restoring its strength, shape, and chewing ability.

There are a variety of reasons you might need a dental crown. The team at InStyle Dental might recommend a crown to:

• Protect a weak tooth
• Support a tooth with a large filling
• Make a cosmetic modification
• Cover a dental implant
• Hold a bridge in place

You might also benefit from a dental crown if you have a tooth that’s badly worn down due to grinding or clenching your teeth.

What types of dental crowns are available?

At InStyle Dental, the team offers several different types of dental crowns, including porcelain crowns and premium zirconia crowns. Both porcelain and zirconia crowns mimic the color and light-reflecting properties of your tooth enamel. This ensures they blend in with your natural teeth whenever you laugh, yawn, or smile.

Does it take more than one appointment to receive a dental crown?

Receiving a dental crown usually requires two separate appointments. During your initial consultation, your InStyle Dental provider conducts an oral exam, asks you questions about your goals for treatment, and takes a series of oral X-rays. If your teeth and gums are healthy and no infection is present, your dentist moves forward with treatment.

First, your dentist administers a local anesthetic numbing your tooth roots and gums. Next, your dentist carefully files down your tooth that's receiving the crown. After filing your tooth down, your dentist takes a series of impressions using dental putty. Then, your dentist sends your impressions to a dental laboratory that manufactures your crown. Lastly, your dentist applies a temporary crown to protect your tooth.

You return to InStyle Dental two to three weeks later for your second appointment. At your second appointment, your dentist administers a local anesthetic again and carefully bonds your permanent crown to your tooth using dental cement. 

How do I care for my dental crowns?

You care for your dental crowns just like you would your natural teeth. The team at InStyle Dental recommends you brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist once every six months for a cleaning and exam. You should also avoid bad habits that can damage your crowns, such as biting your nails or chewing on popcorn kernels or hard candy.

To learn more about the benefits of dental crowns, make an appointment at InStyle Dental today –– call the office or request an appointment using the online booking tool.

Conclusion

Dental crowns are an effective solution for restoring damaged teeth and protecting them for the long term. With proper care and regular dental checkups, crowns can last many years while keeping your smile healthy and strong.