Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

How Dental Crowns Are Used as a Dental Restoration

Dental crowns are one of the versatile restorations used in dentistry. Crowns are used to save damaged teeth that cannot be saved using less invasive procedures. Damage can occur to teeth at any time, leaving them severely compromised.

Placing a crown on a tooth requires making permanent alterations by removing enamel to create a better fit. The removed enamel cannot be restored in the future. The tooth will forever need a restoration to serve as its artificial enamel.

Restoring damaged teeth with dental crowns

Dental crowns can fix various types of tooth injuries like decay, fractures, breaks, and chips. They can also be used to address aesthetic issues like discoloration and deformities. Crowns restore the shape, size, and function of damaged teeth. They are designed to fully encase the damaged tooth, hold it together, protect it against irritants in the mouth, and protect it against bite forces.

Some of the more popular uses of dental crowns include:

  • Placed on implants to replace missing teeth
  • To restore worn-down teeth
  • To close abnormal spaces between teeth
  • To cover up stains, discoloration, and deformities on teeth
  • To protect teeth after root canal therapy
  • To restore broken teeth
  • As anchors for dental bridges
  • To protect severely decayed teeth
  • To shield fractured teeth from irritants in the mouth

The dental crown process

Getting a crown placed on a tooth often requires two trips to the dentist’s office. The first visit involves evaluating the patient to determine whether a crown is the correct approach and preparing the tooth for a crown.

Once the patient has been cleared for a crown, the dentist starts the process by administering a local anesthetic to anesthetize the tooth being treated. Portions of enamel are moved from all sides to prepare the tooth for the crown. The patient is asked to bite a mold for an impression of the prepared tooth.

The impression is sent to technicians in a lab who make crowns from impressions. It typically takes about two weeks for the personalized restoration to get back to the dentist. A temporary crown is placed on the patient’s tooth to protect it while they wait.

The patient comes back for another appointment in about two weeks. The temporary crown comes off, and the customized crown is placed on the tooth. Alterations are made as needed before permanently cementing the restoration into place.

Getting the most out of your crown

Dental crowns can last over 20 years when properly maintained. Simple things patients can do to get the most out of their crowns include:

  • Brush twice daily, floss once per day
  • Avoid hard foods that can damage the restoration
  • Visit a dentist two times a year for check-ups
  • Use protective gear like mouthguards when engaged in physical activities

Restore your damaged tooth

A dental crown can provide a permanent solution for an injured tooth. Contact our dental office today to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns in Indianapolis, IN.

How Dental Crowns Are Used as a Dental Restoration2024-01-25T10:39:10+00:00

When a Dental Crown Is Necessary

A dental crown is one of the most common ways to have a tooth restored. However, patients may want to know why the process of restoration is needed. It is a good question that can easily be answered.

Three scenarios in which a dental crown is needed

Outlined below are a few times when a dental crown is necessary. Dental crown placement will not only address the problem at hand but also significantly improve oral health as a whole.

Cavities

The main reason that a dental crown would be necessary is if there were moderate to severe cavities present. When the teeth become so infected that cavities develop, a filling alone will not be enough to restore the tooth. Instead, a dental crown will have to be placed after the filling to ensure that the tooth is fully restored and in good shape.

Chips or cracks

Dental crowns are commonly recommended for individuals who have chips or cracks in their teeth. Often, a dental filling can be used to restore these types of problems, but in more severe cases, a dental crown will be necessary to completely cap the tooth, ensuring that further damage does not occur. When a crack or chip is present, the dentist will smooth out the area that is affected, fill any empty spots, and finish it with a dental crown.

Tooth replacement

Another time when a dental crown may be necessary is when a tooth is being replaced. While a dental crown alone does not support replacement, it works in conjunction with other restorations to complete the process. Dental implants or bridges both work with crowns to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth. After the implant or bridge is placed, the general dentist completes the process by placing a crown on top. The dental crown acts as the artificial tooth.

Other things to know

When needing a dental crown, it is important to understand that the process usually takes two appointments with the dentist. However, both are seamless and produce the necessary results for optimal oral health. Modern-day technology in dentistry has allowed for the evolution of techniques that limit discomfort while ensuring success.

The first appointment consists of having the affected tooth cleaned, restored, and covered. The tooth will be filled with a dental material and then capped by a temporary crown. The patient returns home for a few weeks while waiting for the permanent dental crown to be made. To finish, the dentist will fit and place the permanent dental crown, which will be securely cemented.

Find out more about getting a dental crown

Individuals who need a dental crown should consult with a general dentist. An evaluation can be performed to determine where to start, whether with a more minor restoration or a dental crown. Additionally, any questions or concerns about dental crowns can be appropriately addressed. To find out more or to get scheduled for an appointment, reach out today.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at 3174565109 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

When a Dental Crown Is Necessary2024-01-25T10:39:18+00:00

Dental Crown for a Tooth Restoration

One of the most effective ways to restore your damaged tooth and protect it from further damage is to fit it with a dental crowns. Crowns are used to cover your teeth and can be made from different materials, depending on your needs and the dentist’s recommendations. Crowns are typically made from gold or porcelain, although other materials may be appropriate for certain situations.

What is a dental crown?

A crown is a custom-fit cap that goes over your tooth, providing coverage and support. People often need a crown because they have lost all their tooth structure due to decay or an injury. To repair or replace severely damaged teeth, restorations such as crowns may be necessary. Although many different types of materials are used in crowns, typically, gold alloys and porcelain fused to metal are used.

Why would you need a crown?

The purpose of a dental crown is to protect your tooth. Crowns help improve your smile, but they also serve another valuable purpose: protecting your teeth. If you are missing more than half of your natural tooth structure, you may be at risk for severe damage without having a crown placed on that tooth first.

In addition to shielding your teeth from damage, crowns also support your tooth when chewing. If you have a severely damaged tooth that you can’t afford to lose, placing a crown on it will keep it strong and functional. It will look as natural as your other teeth, and it will still protect you from pain and discomfort.

What does the procedure entail?

The procedure to replace a tooth with a crown starts with an impression of your mouth to make sure you get exactly what you want in shape and color. Then, using that as a mold, the lab will add porcelain until it’s sturdy enough to hold up against chewing forces. In most cases, once that’s done, you wait about two weeks while they make certain adjustments if necessary. Finally, after everything is perfect, you come back into the office where they put on your new crown and cement it into place!

How long does it take to complete the procedure?

Crowns are usually completed in two visits. However, depending on your doctor’s procedure and dental office’s working schedule, it may take one. The materials used and your dentist’s specific expertise will also affect how long you need to remain in the office. In general, expect that visiting your dentist will take one or two days when you undergo a tooth restoration procedure involving a crown.

What are the potential risks associated with this procedure?

In rare instances, patients may experience complications. Risks include infection, nerve damage, or allergic reaction to materials used in treatment. If you notice swelling or prolonged pain after your procedure, please contact the dentist immediately. It is important to note that these risks are minimal compared to those of more invasive procedures like dental implants or tooth extractions. While rare, these risks should be discussed with your dentist before beginning treatment.

Contact your dentist

Crowns can help maintain the structure of your teeth. If you have been having issues with a chipped or cracked tooth, call your dentist today. Proper tooth care can keep your smile healthy for years to come.

Request an appointment here: https://tmp.devcloud.dk or call Mass Ave Family Dentistry at (317) 218-9901 for an appointment in our Indianapolis office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Indianapolis, IN.

Dental Crown for a Tooth Restoration2024-01-25T10:39:25+00:00

Are There Alternatives to Dental Crowns?

Thinking about choosing dental crowns as your dental restoration option? Crowns are often used to repair damaged teeth, as well as for cosmetic reasons. When it comes to choosing the correct dentist to place dental crowns, making the right choice is important.

How to choose a general dentist

Deciding who will place dental crowns is necessary, as there are many different types of dental professionals to choose from. General dentists are a popular choice, as they perform a variety of dental restorations on a daily basis. In order to ensure the right dentist is chosen, there are few things dental patients need to take into consideration. These considerations include choosing a dentist who is experienced, trustworthy, caring and has a great chairside manner.

Dental crown alternatives

While extracting a damaged tooth is considered to be an alternative, this is not a preferred option as teeth were designed to last a lifetime. The list below includes some of the most commonly used dental crown alternatives general dentists are using for restoration repair reasons, which keeps all of one’s teeth in their mouth.

Inlays

An inlay can be compared to a dental filling, as they are also used to help restore the inside of a damaged tooth. Inlays do not include treating the cusps of a tooth and instead are only placed inside of a tooth. While dental fillings are commonly used to treat teeth, inlays are necessary when a tooth includes a lot of damage due to decay or an injury. Like dental crowns, inlays help keep a tooth intact so it can once again function as intended.

Onlays

Onlays can often be used instead of dental crowns and is a restoration option that tends to preserve more of the structure of the natural tooth. This makes onlays a less invasive treatment option. Since onlays are made using porcelain or a composite resin, they not only help make teeth stronger, they also offer a natural-looking appearance. Onlays are very similar to inlays, except that onlays are also placed on the cusps of the teeth.

Veneers

Dental veneers, also commonly called porcelain veneers, are an alternative to dental crowns, however they are only used for teeth that are located in the front of the mouth. Because veneers are made using thin shells of porcelain, they end up being a better option for the front teeth. This alternative option is ideal for dental patients who have chipped teeth, worn down teeth and discolored teeth. Veneers are similar to dental crowns, as they also cover the teeth and are bonded in order to improve the strength and/or improve the cosmetics of the tooth.

In need of dental restoration?

Are dental crowns then right restoration option for you? While crowns are ideal for most dental patients, there are alternatives available, as shown above. In order to know which option will work best, it is necessary to make a consultation appointment for personalized information. Some patients will need dental crowns, as well as one or more alternatives to restore oral health.

Are you considering dental crowns in the Indianapolis area? Get more information at https://tmp.devcloud.dk.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns in Indianapolis, IN.

Are There Alternatives to Dental Crowns?2024-01-25T10:39:31+00:00

Repair And Enhance Your Smile

Fill gaps from missing teeth and regain a smile at our office. You will have a full functioning smile once again.

Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

We provide dental crowns for patients that have damaged their tooth or had a root canal. Crowns can protect a damaged tooth and can also be used to create bridges to replace missing teeth.

Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

Mass Ave Family Dentistry

At Mass Ave Family Dentistry in Indianapolis, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule where possible. Our professional team aims to create a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and work with you to find the solution that works best for you.

Our team seeks to create a comforting environment at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of quality oral health. At Mass Ave Family Dentistry, your dental health is our prime concern.

Repair And Enhance Your Smile2024-01-25T10:41:08+00:00
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