Thanks to modern dental advancements, there are many different avenues you can take to maintain good oral hygiene and treat any issues that may arise.
Our teeth are strong but they’re also vulnerable to fragmentation. Poor brushing and flossing habits, plaque and tartar buildup, and injuries from sports are just a few things that can harm your mouth and your smile.
At our dental clinic in South Tampa, our dentists are here to help you get your oral health back on track. Get in touch with us today!
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are a good solution for you to consider if your teeth have been damaged. This device is essentially a customized cap that fits over the top of your tooth. Not only does it provide protection and helps reduce bacteria from building up in the grooves and fissures of your teeth, but it also provides support.
Dental crowns can be fabricated from several materials including metal, like gold or silver amalgam, ceramic, porcelain, or composite resin. Although traditional metal dental crowns are very durable and reliable, they’re also visible in your mouth. So, if you’re wanting your prosthetic to blend in with the natural color of your smile, ceramic, resin, or porcelain is the way to go. Porcelain, in particular, is very resistant to stains left behind by food and drink.
Reason To Consider Receiving a Dental Crown
A dental crown is a good solution for you to consider if:
- Your tooth has been damaged. More specifically, if it’s chipped or cracked.
- Your tooth is weak or worn down from decay.
- To cover an irregularly shaped tooth.
- To cover a discolored tooth.
- It’s used to hold a dental bridge or implant in place.
- You’ve just received a root canal.
If you’re unsure whether you need a dental crown, talk to a dentist near you. They’ll be able to identify whether you’re a suitable candidate for this treatment. They’ll describe the entire process, so you know what to expect.
The Process of Receiving a Dental Crown
Usually, receiving a dental crown requires at least two separate appointments.
During your first visit, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth and take some dental x-rays to establish a baseline of your oral health and identify the extent of care that is needed. Next, they’ll prepare your tooth to receive the crown. This entails filing or reshaping each side of your tooth. An impression of your tooth will be made and sent off to the dental lab. This step is important as it ensures that your prosthetic fits you snuggly. Finally, your dentist will place a temporary dental crown over your tooth while you wait.
Once your permanent crown is created, you come back and have it placed.
You also have the option of receiving a same-day dental crown here in South Tampa. This process is identical to the one described above, however, instead of creating a physical mold of your tooth, a handheld wand will capture 3D images of the structure of your teeth and gums. An in-office fabrication machine will design your crown based on those pictures. This is known as computer-aided manufacturing or CAM.
Your same-day dental crown will be ready to go in approximately fifteen to twenty minutes.
To learn more about receiving a same-day dental crown near you, contact our local dental practice today! Here at Charles Martin DDS, our staff is ready to assist you on your dental journey. Call or visit our website to schedule a consultation.