Dealing with chips, cracks, and decay in your teeth can quickly lead to many more problems. What if there was a way to protect the damaged area while restoring the function and appearance of your teeth? This exists—it’s a dental crown.
Dental crowns are like tiny armour for your teeth. They protect your teeth and restore their strength, offering a long-lasting solution to many dental problems. Depending on your oral care routine, you can expect a dental crown to last up to 10 years or more.
What Are Dental Crowns For?
When you have a chip or a crack in your teeth, it’s more than an aesthetic problem. If you leave it untreated, it can lead to cavities, infections, and even the total loss of your tooth. However, if the damage is relatively minor, there’s no need to extract the tooth fully—instead, your dentist will likely recommend a dental crown.
Dental crowns are made of a special material, usually porcelain or ceramic, that is matched to the colour of your natural teeth. They’re custom-made to fit over the damaged tooth and blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Think of them like a cap of sorts. They seal the tooth to protect it against further damage and prevent worse symptoms in the future.
This offers a long-lasting answer to all kinds of cosmetic dental problems. It can even be attached to the top of implants or dental bridges to provide a natural-looking—and feeling—solution to damaged or missing teeth.
What Are Same-Day CEREC Crowns?
Usually, getting a crown is a several-step process. Your dentist will need to examine the area, take impressions of your teeth and mouth, and then send this information to a lab to create your custom crown. This requires at least two appointments, making it complicated and frustrating.
Now, imagine there’s a way to simplify the process without compromising the quality of your results. This is CEREC or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. CEREC is a state-of-the-art technology that creates and places dental crowns in just one visit.
With the help of digital imaging, your dentist can design and fabricate a custom crown right in their office. This helps to:
- Simplify the impression process through digital technology
- Give you an accurate, computer-created crown
- Save time, as it’s all performed in one session
The result is a long-lasting crown produced quickly and accurately. You’ll get the benefits of a standard dental crown without any of the inconvenience or frustration of more traditional options. It’s a convenient, time-saving option full of benefits!
That’s why our team at Shin Dentistry is happy to offer CEREC crowns—and we’re the only dentist in the Stouffville area with a CEREC machine. With same-day CEREC crowns, you can enjoy simplified results without the hassle of multiple appointments.
How to Take Care of a Dental Crown
Usually, a dental crown can last up to 10 years or more. But this depends heavily on your oral care routine—you need to care for your crown just like your natural teeth. So make sure that you:
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and prevent gum disease around the crown.
- Avoid biting down on hard foods or objects to prevent damage to the crown.
- Never use your teeth as tools.
- Use a protective mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.
These steps are simple, but the effect is significant. You’ll be able to enjoy a long-lasting crown that restores the function and appearance of your natural teeth without worrying about damage or replacement.
If you ever experience a problem with your crown, don’t leave it unaddressed. Instead, make regular appointments with your dentist for dental exams and cleanings. This lets them monitor your crown and deal with potential problems long before they cause any lasting damage.
Signs It’s Time to Replace a Dental Crown
Even with the best care, there may come a time when your dental crown needs replacing. They’re vulnerable to wear and tear over the years, and they may become less effective as time goes by. Try to keep an eye out for:
- Pain or discomfort in the crowned tooth
- Visible cracks or chips in the crown
- Loose or shifting crown
- Redness, swelling, or bleeding near the gums
- Changes in bite alignment or difficulty chewing
If you notice these signs, it’s time to get a professional evaluation. A damaged crown can compromise the protection it offers your teeth, so make sure to visit your dentist before any problems worsen. You deserve a strong, healthy smile, so don’t put your oral health at risk!
Invest In Your Smile Today
You deserve a smile you love, so don’t put yourself at risk of dental problems. Instead, come talk to our team at Shin Dentistry. We’re here to help keep your dental crown in good shape and ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule an appointment with us today!
