Dental Crowns - Strengthen Weakened Teeth

A look at dental crowns. How they are made and the procedure required to put them in place.

Teeth were meant to last a lifetime. However, the combination of adults living longer lived combined with out changing diets means that our teeth tend to wear out before we do.

Dental technology is available and improving to help fight this problem. One of the treatments for chipped and broken teeth are dental crowns.

Dental crowns are tooth shaped caps that fit over the top of the tooth. They are designed to strengthen the original tooth and restore it to its former glory. Dental crowns can be used to recreate damaged teeth and for cosmetic purposes.

People have dental crowns put in for a variety of reasons. They can re strengthen weakened teeth that have suffered a large degree of tooth decay. They can also reinforce cracked teeth to keep them from breaking further. Dental crowns can restore already broken teeth so eating and chewing are easier. They also can restore worn teeth, to even out the pressure is certain parts of the mouth.

Sometimes cavities and decay can really set in. Fillings can still take care of this problem but they can take a large portion of the original tooth with it. Dental crowns can fit over this filling making the whole structure stronger and giving it a more natural appearance.

Those that have several missing teeth together may have something called a bridge put into place. Dental crowns help hold these bridges and give them extra support. They also help the bridges look much more like the persons natural teeth. Crowns can also improve the look of severally discolored teeth.

Having a dental crown can be completed in two visits. The first visit consists mostly of preparation. The dentist will check the condition of the tooth though x-rays and a series of tests. The pulp of the tooth will be examined.

If there is decay or infection, a root canal treatment may be needed. They do not want to fit a crown over an infected tooth. This will cause serious pain and discomfort later on.

After the preparation is complete the shaping will begin. The dentist will numb the tooth so you won’t fee a thing. The dentist fills then fills and drill. This will file down the tooth to make room, so the dental crown will fit. This process depends largely on how much of he tooth needs to be drilled away. Severally decayed teeth usually require a lot more shaping and may need building material or support with dental cement.

Once the tooth has been reshaped, a dental impression will be made. This will help insure that the dental crown will match your bite. To get this stage wring could lead to an uneven bite, wearing and jaw pain.

At this point the impressions are sent away to a dental laboratory. This is where the dental crown is actually made. It can take anywhere from 2-3 weeks before the dental crown is finished and your ready for your next visit.

The next stage is getting your permanent dental crown fitted. This is actually quite simple. Your dentist will remove your temporary crown and check for signs of decay. If everything is fine they will fit the permanent crown. This is quite painless and often does not require anesthetic.

Caring for both your temporary and permanent crowns are vitally important. Your temporary crown is not as strong or as durable as the permanent dental crown you will eventually receive. While you are awaiting the permanent crown, you should avoid chewing gum or eating any stick food or candies. These can stick to the temporary crown and pull it off. You should also avoid biting down on any hard candies or foods. These can cause the crowns to chip and break off. It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene while you are waiting for your permanent dental crown. Any signs of decay will delay the process even further.

Things will change once the permanent dental crown is fitted. They are much stronger and meant to last a long time. Still one must care for them as they would their own teeth. Dental crowns last on average 10-15 years. With good oral care and a careful diet however they can last even longer than that. Some have lasted a full lifetime.

Our teeth were meant to last a lifetime. However, with people living much longer and our dependence on fast, ready made food, many of our teeth are giving in before we do. Dental technology has improved vastly over the last few decades. Dental crowns are now available to help our teeth go the distance. Those with chipped, damaged or severally decayed teeth can now smile brightly and with pride. Dental Crowns can make nearly anything possible.