What are crowns?
Crowns are custom-crafted oral prosthetics used to make a tooth stronger or restore its appearance. They’re tailor-made caps bonded to the top of a chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged tooth.
At Lakewood Dentistry, Dr. Farah uses metal-free zirconia crowns. Zirconia is a long-lasting type of ceramic. It’s white and mimics the light-reflecting properties of tooth enamel, allowing it to blend in with your natural teeth. Dr. Farah customizes the shade of your crown to match your other teeth so that it blends in whenever you laugh, speak, or smile.
What conditions can dental crowns address?
Dr. Farah uses crowns to address a variety of common oral health problems. She might recommend a crown to:
- Protect a weak tooth
- Restore a worn down tooth
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Make a cosmetic modification
- Attach to a dental implant
She also uses dental crowns to improve the appearance of stained or severely discolored teeth.
What is the process for getting dental crowns?
Getting dental crowns usually takes two separate appointments spaced several weeks apart.
At your first appointment, Dr. Farah conducts an oral exam, reviews your oral health history, and asks about your symptoms and goals for treatment. She also orders X-rays to get a closer look at your tooth roots and jaw.
If Dr. Farah determines you’re a good candidate for a crown, she administers a local anesthetic. Afterward, she carefully prepares your tooth to receive a crown, shaving a thin layer of enamel off of the top and sides of your tooth. Next, she takes impressions. Dr. Farah sends your impressions to a local laboratory that manufactures your custom crown.
A week or two later, you return to Lakewood Dentistry. At your second appointment, Dr. Farah bonds your crown to the top of your damaged or decaying tooth. The process takes about 30 minutes and you leave the office with a healthy, functional smile.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns usually last 10-15 years. You can extend the lifespan of your crown by brushing and flossing daily and visiting Lakewood Dentistry every six months for a professional cleaning and exam.
To prevent cracks, chipping, or damage, try to avoid bad habits like nail-biting or chewing on ice. If you play contact sports, mountain bike, or rollerblade, you might also want to wear a mouthguard during physical activity.
If you’re interested in learning more about crowns, and you want to receive great customer service, schedule an appointment at Lakewood Dentistry. Book a consultation online, or call the office and speak with a friendly staff member today.
