When a tooth incurs damage or decay, our Tampa team wants to do everything in our power to preserve it! Doing so can spare you from a gap in your smile and prevent the need for costly tooth replacement. In order to help you maintain a complete set of teeth, we may recommend that you receive a dental crown. What are dental crowns, and how can they benefit you? Read this page to find out.
Dental Crowns Tampa
A Strong Fix for Damaged Teeth
Why Choose Advanced Dental Associates of Tampa Palms for Dental Crowns?
- Beautiful, Lifelike Materials that Stand the Test of Time
- Keep Your Natural Teeth for as Long as Possible
- State-of-the-Art Dental Office that Uses Digital Impressions
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns, also called caps, are a treatment designed to restore the strength, functionality, and appearance of teeth that have been broken or damaged by decay, disease, or injury. Crowns are custom made to fit your smile and are bonded over your original tooth to cover it and prevent further damage. If you are replacing a missing tooth, your crown may be placed atop a dental implant. This type of restoration is intended to be a long-lasting solution for your oral health and smile.
Dental crowns can be made of various materials, but in our office, we favor porcelain and other options that bear a strong resemblance to natural tooth enamel.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
The dental crown process takes place across two or more appointments.
During the initial visit, we will prepare your tooth by removing some of its enamel. This is important so that your crown will fit well and work in harmony with your natural bite. We use local anesthesia to keep patients comfortable during this process. Next, we take digital impressions so we can design your new restoration.
While a trustworthy laboratory fabricates your permanent crown, you will wear a temporary one. Once your permanent crown is ready, we will double-check that it meets our expectations before we bond it onto your tooth.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
As a result of getting a dental crown, you may experience several benefits:
- Improved dental function. A crown can improve your bite, reduce dental sensitivity, and increase the strength of damaged teeth.
- Improved appearance. By covering a damaged tooth, a crown can help your smile to look as beautiful as possible.
- Avoid tooth extraction. Whenever possible, we recommend that patients keep their natural teeth in order to enjoy optimum health.
- Long-lasting results. With proper care, a well-made dental crown has the potential to last for 10 – 15 years or longer.
- Easy maintenance. Caring for a dental crown is not complicated. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and reasonable food choices are all important.
Dental Crown FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Dental crowns may not be permanent in the sense that they’ll last forever, but they are considered a lifelong necessity. Unlike other parts of your body, your teeth aren’t able to repair themselves, so if they become severely damaged or structurally unsound, they’ll always need extra support and protection. Fortunately, our dental crowns in Tampa are durable and will last a long time with proper care. If you follow maintenance instructions, you won’t have to replace your restoration very frequently.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
We can tell when a crown needs to be replaced with an X-ray or visual exam, but that doesn’t help you much when you’re at home! Here are some symptoms that can indicate it’s time to call our office for a new restoration:
- Pain or sensitivity – This could mean your crown needs to be readjusted, or that there’s decay underneath it that needs to be addressed.
- Looseness – Since we customize our dental crowns, yours should fit snugly. If it becomes loose or wiggly, give us a call so we can take a look before it falls off.
- Cosmetic blemishes – Daily wear and tear can contribute to discoloration, chipping, and other such cosmetic issues, in which case you may want a touch-up so you can smile confidently.
Are Dental Crowns Safe?
Yes, and crowns that are made from quality porcelain are even safer. The materials we use are non-toxic, and allergic reactions are extremely rare. Oftentimes, dental crowns prevent the teeth underneath from experiencing further harm or becoming infected, so you can rest easy with this restoration supporting your smile!
What’s the Difference Between a Temporary Crown and a Permanent Crown?
Customizing your crown takes time – usually about two weeks or so, to be precise. This is because we have to send your oral measurements and cosmetic preferences to a dental lab, where skilled technicians will carry out the work of fabricating your restoration. It wouldn’t be ideal to leave your tooth unprotected during this time, so we’ll provide you with a more generalized type of crown for temporary support. It won’t be as durable or cosmetically appealing as your permanent crown, but as long as you avoid overly hard and chewy foods, a temporary crown will shield your vulnerable tooth until we’re able to place the final product.