Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.
Your teeth are strong, but it's still possible to damage them. If your teeth get cracked, chipped, or even broken, they will need to be repaired by your dentist. Dental crowns are a common way that dentists repair damaged teeth. Here's what you need to know about them.
How do teeth get damaged?
There are many ways that your teeth can get damaged. Some of them are preventable, but others are not. Your teeth can get damaged if you bite a hard object, like ice, bone, or the end of your pencil. Be careful not to bite hard objects if you don't want to damage your teeth. Your teeth can also crack or break when they are weakened by cavities. Remember to brush and floss regularly to avoid getting cavities, and your teeth won't break as easily.
Your teeth can also become damaged in ways that you can't easily prevent. For example, your teeth can be damaged in a car accident if your head hits the window or the steering wheel. They can also get damaged if you slip and fall in an icy parking lot, or if you get punched in the face.
Can all damaged teeth be repaired with crowns?
Not all damaged teeth can be repaired with crowns alone, and some can't be repaired at all. Your dentist will take a look at your tooth and let you know if it can be repaired or not.
Minor damage (such as a small chip) can be fixed with a crown. Cracks can also be easily repaired with crowns, but only if the root of the tooth isn't exposed. If the root is exposed, you'll need to get a root canal before you can get a crown.
Some damage can't be fixed, and your tooth will need to be pulled. Some cracks fall into this category. If a crack in your tooth extends below the gum line, the tooth can't be saved. Broken teeth may also need to be pulled out if they broke off too close to the gum line.
How is a dental crown procedure done?
A dental crown procedure often takes two visits to the dentist. During the first appointment, the dentist will trim your tooth to allow a crown to fit over top, and then a mold will be taken of the trimmed tooth. A temporary crown will be attached to your tooth, and you will be sent home.
Your permanent crown will be custom made in a laboratory. This takes about two weeks, and once it's ready, you'll go back to the dentist. The dentist will check the fit of your new crown and then cement it onto your damaged tooth, completing the repair.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
Getting your tooth trimmed sounds terrible, but you won't actually feel anything. Your dentist will numb your tooth before the trimming process begins, and may also numb the surrounding gum tissue. If you're really anxious, this procedure can also be done under sedation, a type of anesthesia that makes you relaxed but not asleep.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns last for a long time, but they don't last forever. If you get a dental crown, you can expect to replace it within the next five to fifteen years. You can prolong the life of your crown by taking good care of your teeth. Brushing, flossing, not biting hard objects, and visiting your dentist regularly will help keep your crown in good shape.
Dental crowns are a great way to repair some kinds of damaged teeth. If any of your teeth become cracked, chipped, or broken, see your dentist right away and ask about getting a crown. Follow this link for more info on dental crowns.
Share10 February 2015
