Hello, I'm Dr. De La Paz at Olean Dental Studio. Today we're going to be talking about dental crowns.
Why would you recommend a dental crown?
Different things allow us to determine that a crown is the best way to treat that tooth. Generally speaking, if a tooth is too destroyed and the majority of the tooth structure is gone, you want to preserve the tooth in the mouth. The best way to do that is to put a cap on top and cover the entire tooth. This way, when you're chewing, the forces from your chewing are spread evenly, and you don't damage the tooth even more. Another time we recommend a crown is when the tooth has a large filling that occupies, let's say, 50 or 60% of the tooth, and the rest is just not enough to hold onto. That's a tooth with a high tendency for breakage. With those forces, when we bite, they can break off. At that point, we also recommend putting a cap on it or a crown, which is the same thing. This way, we protect that tooth and avoid the need for further treatment down the road. Crowns can also be recommended for cosmetic reasons. Let's say your teeth are misshapen or discolored, your bite is a little off, and you just want a nicer smile. Then we can put crowns for cosmetic reasons. They can be done in a way that your smile looks natural and beautiful.
Can front tooth crowns look natural?
The answer is yes. There are different materials available to give you a natural-looking smile. The way we prepare the teeth for those crowns and the materials used to restore those teeth are all taken into consideration. When we're restoring your smile, it looks as natural as possible.
Will I have to get a crown after root canal?
Yes. It's recommended to get a crown after a root canal because once a root canal is done, that tooth is not as strong as it used to be due to the treatment inside the tooth. Now we need coverage outside of the tooth to prevent it from breaking. I've seen many cases where patients get root canals and never get the crowns. Over time, they tend to fracture those teeth, and then all the money and time spent saving the tooth with the root canal is wasted. If you never put a crown, then that tooth breaking and reinfecting means you might lose the tooth. It's better to put a crown after the root canal to preserve the tooth and prevent it from decaying and breaking.
Can my kid have a dental crown?
It depends on the age. Every age has different ways of treating this. If you have a small child, sometimes the pediatric dentist may recommend a dental crown, but it might be a silver crown because it's on a tooth that's going to fall out and be replaced with adult teeth. If it's a front tooth on a kid, the pediatric dentist might do a crown that looks more natural. It depends. Generally speaking, kids can get crowns. It all depends on their stage of development, age, and which tooth it is. At that point, we can make the best determination possible.
Is it painful to have a dental crown?
It shouldn't be painful because we have anesthesia. We can numb your gums and tooth so you can be comfortable throughout the procedure. If you ever feel any pain or sensation during the appointment, let us know so we can administer more anesthetic and ensure you're comfortable. Experiencing pain during a procedure can create trauma, and you might avoid going back to the dentist. Make sure to have a good conversation about your fears and concerns with your dentist. This will be taken into consideration when treatment is rendered.
How long does it take?
As long as you take care of it and it doesn't decay underneath, it can last many decades. I've had patients with crowns for 40 and 50 years without problems. Others have crowns that last only a few years. The crown itself is not going to break; it's your tooth underneath that requires attention. When the crown meets the tooth, that area needs to be cleaned properly. This is an area we need to brush and floss and come in for maintenance so we can keep everything clean and bacteria-free, preventing decay. If decay develops, the crown needs replacement. With excellent oral hygiene, regular appointments, and proper brushing and flossing, you should be okay for many decades.
What to do if you have pain under a crown?
There are a couple of scenarios. If you just had a crown placed and have pain, you might just need a bite adjustment. Make sure the bite is comfortable, and the pain should resolve. If the bite adjustment doesn't resolve the issue and you continue with throbbing pain that lingers and keeps you up at night, it means the tooth didn't recover from the procedure. This happens sometimes, about 10% of the time. At that point, the tooth might need a root canal, which can be done after the crown is placed. It can be done through the crown, followed by a small filling on top. Depending on the type of pain, that's when we either need a root canal or other adjustments to ensure comfort in your mouth and alleviate the pain.
How do I know if I need a crown?
It's hard for you to know. We don't usually look in our mouths and immediately know what's going on. Make sure that if there's something going on with your mouth, you see the dentist as soon as possible to investigate. The dentist is trained to look in your mouth, diagnose, and tell you whether a filling, a crown, an extraction, or other treatment is needed. We'll be able to explain, show photos, and provide alternative treatments that will lead to either getting a crown or something else. We don't expect you to know at home that you need a crown. Just come to us. We'll take care of you, diagnose, and explain everything to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the entire process. If you do need a crown, we're here for you and can take care of you the same day.
Now, I'm going to head out. If you have any other questions about dental crowns, feel free to call our office at (941) 269-1332. Here at Olean Dental Studio, we take pride in the services we provide and the environment we offer because this is a family, and that's how we want you to feel with us. Have a good day.