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What Are Dental Crowns?

A crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged tooth, covering the entire visible surface above the gum line. The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, and strength while making the tooth look natural and healthy again. The porcelain material used for crowns looks completely natural, so no one but you and your cosmetic dentist will know you have a dental crown on!

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Your dentist may recommend a crown if the tooth is cracked or has a large filling or if the tooth has been treated with root canal therapy. In some cases, cosmetic imperfections like discoloration or misshapen teeth can be corrected with dental crowns. 

How To Care For Dental Crowns?

At-home care is important when you have dental crowns. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated area, and use a toothbrush with a soft-bristled brush to gently clean in between the gums and the crown to avoid gum disease. You should also floss daily to remove plaque and food debris from around the crown.

How Are Crowns Different From Dental Veneers?

Unlike dental crowns, which are placed over the entire tooth to protect it from damage and restore its appearance, dental veneers are thin shells that are applied to just the front of the teeth to correct aesthetic flaws like staining or breakage. 

What Is a Dental Crown Procedure Like?

To make room for a new crown, our dentist in Mesa, AZ will first reduce the size of the tooth to make room for the crown and then take an impression of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. The impression will be used to create your permanent crown. A temporary crown may be placed at this time to protect the tooth until your permanent crown is manufactured by a dental laboratory. At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be cemented in place.

What Can I Expect After a Dental Crown Procedure?

After your crown is put in place, your dentist will ask you to bite down in order to allow the restoration to set properly. You may feel some sensitivity to temperature as well as pressure for a few days after your procedure is complete. You may want to eat soft foods during this time and avoid foods that are extremely hot or cold in order to avoid irritating the area. Following a few weeks of recovery, you will be able to resume your normal chewing habits and enjoy all of your favorite foods.

How Long Will Dental Crown Last?

It depends on the material used to create the dental crown, as well as how well you care for it. Most dental crowns will be durable enough to last a decade or more with proper care, they may last a lifetime. If you grind your teeth or chew on ice, you risk damaging your crown. You may also need a new dental crown if you notice that it starts to become loose and damaged.

Arizona Dental Heights, situated in Mesa, AZ, is equipped with modern technologies and expert dentists who provide the best services to patients. Call (480) 525-6000 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about the dental services we offer.