Getting a Dental Crown

After practicing dentistry in Cadott for as long as we have, you learn a few things about what people expect when you tell them that they need a dental crown. Because we care about our patients, we want to help inform you as to what you can expect when getting a dental crown. As always, our family dental practice in Cadott is here to answer your questions, so feel free to pick up the phone and give us a call, or stop by and see us.

What is a Dental Crown?
Although you probably know what a filling is, when we tell a patient that he or she needs a dental crown, sometimes the response is one of confusion. A dental crown, for the sake of simplicity, is basically like a cap or covering that fits over an existing tooth.
Unlike a dental implant, which involves completely replacing the tooth, a dental crown is affixed to an existing tooth. And, unlike a filling, which involves simply replacing a small portion of a tooth, a dental crown involves a significant addition to your tooth.
Dental crowns may be fashioned from one of a few different materials. Any dentist in Cadott can tell you about the different materials, but we want you to know the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Ceramic. Some dental crowns are made out of a dental ceramic material such as porcelain. These crowns look very much like your natural teeth, and they are a good choice for teeth that are towards the front of the mouth. The downside to getting a ceramic or porcelain crown is that they are not as durable as some of the other materials.
Metal. Metal dental crowns can be made from a mixture of different metals. A full exploration of the different types of metal dental crowns is beyond the scope of this blog; however, if you are interested in getting a metal dental crown, please ask us about it, and we’ll be happy to go into greater detail. A significant advantage to metal dental crowns is their incredible durability. Of course, as you can imagine, they are quite different in appearance from your natural teeth, and may not be the best choice for teeth in the front of the mouth.

Installation of a Dental Crown
Installation is a simple process. When you come to see us for a dental crown, we will numb the area of the tooth we are working on. We will go in and remove any decayed or damaged tooth material. This can be done with a traditional dental drill or with certain laser implements.
In either case, once the tooth is prepared, we will affix the crown using special dental techniques. Then, after giving it the time it needs to set, your crown will be ready for use. By the time your anesthetic wears off, you will be able to use the tooth just like you would any natural tooth.
We are here to help you through this process. Come see us today if you think you may need a dental crown.