Why Should You Invest in Dental Crowns?

Are you chewing on one side or hiding your smile due to damaged teeth? Whether your teeth are decayed, chipped, broken, or deeply stained, dental crowns offer a reliable, durable, and cost-effective way to save your tooth and improve the aesthetics and strength of your teeth.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped dental cap placed over a damaged tooth to improve its appearance, strength, and function. The crown is customized to blend naturally with the rest of your tooth.

They can contain various materials, including porcelain, gold, metal, composite, and zirconia. In this article, let’s explore why you should invest in a crown and answer some of the most common questions you might have about the treatment.

Are dental crowns permanent?

Yes, dental crowns are permanent dental restorations. On average, dental crowns last 10 – 20 years. The longevity of your crown can depend on factors like the crown material, the location of the crown, and the patient’s oral care and hygiene habits.

When placing a crown, the dentist must shave a small amount of the tooth enamel to create enough room for the crown to fit perfectly without looking unnatural or bulky.

Since you can’t restore the shaved enamel, this action permanently changes your tooth’s structure, making the procedure irreversible. The tooth is more vulnerable to sensitivity, infections, and fractures without the crown. Visit our office for a dental crown in Calgary.

Is it painful to get a crown?

Getting a dental crown is generally less invasive, making the procedure minimally painful. Similarly, the dentist will numb you when preparing your tooth for the dental crown and when fitting the crown, meaning there won’t be much discomfort during the procedure.

Most patients experience minor discomfort and sensitivity after the anesthetic wears off. The discomfort is normal and should settle down within a few days. Your dentist can prescribe some painkillers to manage the discomfort.

You can use over-the-counter pain drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you don’t have a prescription. It’s also important to avoid hard foods and other activities that can disturb or irritate the treated area.

What are foods to avoid with a crown?

After getting a dental crown, your dentist may advise you to avoid certain foods as they disturb, damage, or dislodge the crown or cause discomfort or infections around the treated tooth. These can include:

• Hard and crunchy foods like hard candy, popcorn, raw nuts, carrots, apples, and ice can cause the crown to break, chip, or dislodge. You should also avoid biting or chewing hard non-food items like nails, pens, and pencils.
• Sticky and chewy foods like chocolate, chewing gums, toffee, and caramel can encourage plaque around the crown, leading to infections.
• Acidic and spicy foods like lemons and apple cider vinegar can irritate the treated area.
• Hot and cold items can cause increased sensitivity since your tooth might be sensitive after the crown procedure.
• While dental crowns are highly resistant to stains, high exposure to staining ingredients can cause your crown to get stained or discolored.

Additional tips for caring for your dental crowns include:

• Brushing at least twice a day for about two minutes a time
• Using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid abrasive dental products.
• Flossing daily
• Scheduling routine dental checkups and cleanings
• Avoiding or limiting sugary items
• Visiting a dentist near you if your crown feels wrong or uncomfortable

Reasons to Invest in a Dental Crown

Dental crowns are versatile and can fix a variety of dental issues, including:

• Protecting damaged teeth. A dental crown can hold together a severely chipped, weak, worn-down, decayed, cracked, or broken tooth. It strengthens and protects the tooth from further damage.
• Protecting a root with a large filling or after a root canal. A crown can reinforce a weakened tooth with large cavities or a root canal.
• Improving the appearance of a tooth. Since a crown covers the entire structure of a tooth, you can use it for cosmetic purposes to change the appearance of a misshapen, stained, or uneven tooth.
• Supporting a bridge or dental implant. A dental crown replaces missing teeth with dental implants and bridges.

Visit our Office for Dental Crown Treatments in Calgary, AB

Are you ready to transform your dental function and esthetics with dental crowns? Contact East Hills Dental Clinic to book your consultation today.