09 Jan Fractured Tooth: Will a dental crown help?
Our teeth are very strong, but they are not invincible. Biting into hard items like ice, rock candy, or even nuts or a popcorn kernel can weaken teeth resulting in a fracture. A dental crown is a wonderful option that allows your dentist to save your tooth with a restoration that is so beautiful and lifelike, no one will be able to tell you suffered a broken tooth.
Dental crowns serve many purposes like saving a fractured tooth, being the anchors for a dental bridge, as the final step to a dental implant procedure, or sealing a tooth following endodontic therapy. Based on the location of the tooth being treated, you have options for the material you want used for your crown. If the tooth is located in the smile line, most patients select a porcelain crown.
For many years, patients had to resort to metal or gold crowns; however, the availability of porcelain has allowed for broken teeth to be salvaged with a stain resistant material that can be matched in size, contour, and color to your natural teeth. This makes dental crowns a more natural appearing restoration. Just keep in mind that porcelain is stain resistant; and will not lighten with teeth whitening products.
Your dentist will start the crown procedure by reducing the structure of the natural tooth. A dental impression will be taken that will be forwarded to a dental lab for the crown to be fabricated. A temporary will be placed over the prepared tooth until the crown is ready to be seated … usually about two weeks.
On a set day the temporary will be removed and the crown will be tried in for comfort, appearance, fit and function. Adjustments can be made chairside, if needed. Your dentist will make sure the crown is the correct shade and shape … when approved your dental crown will be cemented in place.
A crown is intended to last for many, many years. If your crown should become dislodged, you can temporarily replace it using denture paste. See your dentist as soon as possible to have it re-cemented.
Caring for a crowned tooth is the same as all your teeth. Brush twice every day with a fluoridated toothpaste, floss daily, and visit the dentist every six months for cleaning, polishing, and dental exam. If you have additional questions, contact our team at The Dental Place today.