Dental health is a critical component of our overall well-being. Often, we focus primarily on basic oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, but there are more advanced dental procedures that are crucial for maintaining good oral health. One such procedure is the placement of a dental crown. This article will delve into what a dental crown is, why you may need one, the CEREC single-visit process for getting a crown, and how to care for crown-covered teeth.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, often referred to as a “cap,” is a restorative dental procedure that completely encircles or caps a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are typically bonded to the tooth using dental cement. They often strengthen a damaged tooth, improve its appearance, shape, or alignment, or cover a dental implant.
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, and metal alloys. The choice of material often depends on where in the mouth the crown will be placed, the color of the surrounding teeth, and the patient’s personal preferences.
Why You May Need a Dental Crown
There are several reasons why you may need a dental crown. They include:
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
- To restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t much of the tooth left.
- To hold a dental bridge in place.
- To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
- To cover a dental implant.
CEREC Same Day Crowns: The Process
Traditionally, getting a dental crown required at least two visits to the dentist. However, thanks to advancements in dental technology, it is now possible to get a crown in a single visit using the CEREC (Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic) system.
CEREC uses CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology to design and mill custom dental crowns on the spot. The process involves taking digital impressions of the patient’s mouth, creating a 3D model of the crown, and then fabricating the crown using a milling machine, all in a single visit.
This eliminates the need for a temporary crown and a second visit to the dentist, saving the patient time and inconvenience.
Caring for Your Crown-Covered Teeth
While dental crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they still require proper care to maintain their integrity and to ensure the health of the underlying tooth. Here are some tips for caring for crown-covered teeth:
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
2. Avoid Hard Foods
Hard foods can cause damage to the crown. Avoid biting down on hard items such as ice or candies.
3. Avoid Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a night guard to protect your crown and other teeth.
4. Regular Dental Checkups
Regular checkups and cleanings can help ensure the longevity of your crown and overall oral health.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are an effective solution for various dental issues, from restoring damaged teeth to improving the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth. With the advent of CEREC, getting a dental crown has become a more convenient and efficient process. However, even with these advancements, proper oral hygiene and care are still crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of crown-covered teeth.
Are you tired of waiting weeks for traditional dental crown procedures? Don’t wait any longer to get the dental care you need! Contact Danvers Aesthetic Family Dentistry today to learn more about CEREC same day crowns. With our complete, in-office system, we can create long-lasting ceramic crowns and more – in a single visit, in as little as one hour. That means a healthier smile for you in less time. Take control of your dental health and schedule your appointment today!