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Dental Crown in Smyrna GA


Sometimes referred to as a cap, dental crowns are used by our team here at Reich Dental Center to help restore the appearance and function of a damaged tooth. It is often the best option where a filling cannot be an effective solution and is often performed on less visible teeth.

Many tooth problems can be fixed using crowns, including severely decayed, broken, and discolored teeth. A dental crown can also be used to protect a restored tooth after having had a root canal procedure.

Do I Need a Dental Crown?


A variety of situations may require crowns. Crowns can help keep a weakened or decayed tooth from falling apart, or they may hold together parts of teeth that have cracked. Crowns may also help fix an extremely worn down or loose tooth. They can act as a support or covering for teeth with large cavities that can't support a standard filling, to support a dental bridge, and to cover discolored or misshapen teeth.

Types of Dental Crown Materials


There are several materials used for dental crowns, each with its own unique properties and suitability for different situations.

Porcelain and Ceramic


Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular for their ability to mimic the appearance of natural teeth, making them ideal for front-facing teeth. They offer aesthetics and biocompatibility, with porcelain being especially strong, stable, and wear-resistant. However, ceramic options may aggravate opposing teeth, making them less suitable for patients with conditions like teeth grinding.

Metal


Metal crowns, including gold alloys like platinum, nickel, and copper, offer strength and endurance, making them suitable for back teeth subjected to heavy chewing forces. Gold crowns provide biocompatibility, while titanium is valued for its biocompatibility and durability. Metal crowns involve minimal removal of tooth structure and are less likely to chip or break.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal


Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the stability of a metal structure with the natural color surface resembling other teeth. While offering advantages, they may require more tooth structure removal and can cause discomfort during the procedure.

Ultimately, the choice of material depends on factors such as the tooth's location, chewing position, aesthetic preferences, and individual considerations. Most crowns can last anywhere between 7 years and a lifetime, with removal or replacement often due to underlying tooth decay rather than damage to the crown itself.

The Dental Crown Procedure


Placement of crowns usually takes place over two sessions.

Dental Crown Procedure: First Appointment


The first session will be about determining if crowns are your best option, making a choice of the material that should be used, and preparing the tooth for the later procedure.

Tooth cleaning is usually done during preparation to remove any decayed material and ensure no bacteria are trapped underneath to continue causing damage. If the damage is extensive, our dentist may need to put in a post and core foundation to support the crown.

Once cleaned, we may need to file down some of the natural tooth enamel to provide space to accommodate the crown. This may be avoided with certain choices of material. Metal crowns are strong and can be customized to very thin specifications that do not compromise on strength.

Once the tooth is ready, we then take an impression or digital scan of the tooth and the surface of the opposite tooth. This will be used in the lab to create a fitted crown. This construction can take just two weeks, during which we will have provided a temporary plastic crown held in place with temporary cement. This weaker cement allows for easier removal of the temporary crown when you come in for the permanent one.

Dental Crown Procedure: Second Appointment


On your second visit, our dentist will take out the temporary crown, test the positioning of the permanent crown before permanently bonding it in its correct place. We may perform some polishing work to match it to neighboring teeth.

FAQs About Tooth Crowns


How Do I Take Care of a Dental Crown?


Proper care of your dental crown is crucial for maintaining its longevity and functionality. Fortunately, caring for a dental crown isn't much different from caring for your natural teeth. Here are some essential tips:

•  Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around the crown and along the gum line. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the crown or surrounding teeth.

•  Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious when eating hard or sticky foods, as they can potentially damage the crown or cause it to become loose. If possible, refrain from chewing on hard objects like ice or pens, which can also pose a risk to your crown.

•  Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist for routine check-ups and professional cleanings to ensure the crown remains in good condition. Your dentist can detect any issues early on and address them before they worsen.

•  Wear a Mouth Guard: If you grind your teeth at night or engage in contact sports, consider wearing a custom fit mouth guard to protect your crown and surrounding teeth from damage.

•  Avoid Teeth Grinding: Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can put excessive pressure on the crown and lead to premature wear or damage. If you grind your teeth, discuss options with your dentist to address this habit and protect your dental work.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help prolong the lifespan of your dental crown and maintain optimal oral health.

How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?


The longevity of a dental crown depends on various factors, including the materials used, the quality of the crown, and how well it is cared for. On average, dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more with proper maintenance.

Porcelain crowns tend to have a longer lifespan compared to other materials due to their durability and natural appearance. However, factors such as teeth grinding, poor oral hygiene, and underlying dental issues can affect the longevity of the crown.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring the condition of the crown and addressing any issues promptly. Your dentist can assess the crown's integrity during these visits and recommend necessary repairs or replacements as needed.

Is Getting a Tooth Crown Painful?


The process of getting a dental crown is typically not painful, as it is performed under local anesthesia to numb the affected area. However, some patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity during and after the procedure, which is normal and usually subsides within a few days.

During the crown placement procedure, while the tooth is being prepared and the impression is taken, you may feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but it should not be painful.

After the crown is placed, you may experience some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a short period as your mouth adjusts to the new restoration. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate any discomfort during this time.

If you experience severe or prolonged pain after getting a dental crown, it is important to contact your dentist in Smyrna promptly to rule out any complications.

Can Tooth Crowns Be Whitened?


Unlike natural teeth, dental crowns cannot be whitened with traditional whitening treatments. Dental crowns are made from materials such as porcelain or ceramic, which are resistant to the bleaching agents used in whitening procedures.

If you have a dental crown and wish to improve its appearance, discuss options with your Smyrna dentist. In some cases, replacing the crown with a lighter shade or undergoing cosmetic treatments like veneers may be recommended to achieve the desired aesthetic results.

Schedule a Dental Crown Procedure with Your Smyrna GA Dentist!


If you do have damaged teeth, do not allow yourself to keep suffering when a crown may be just the solution you need. Contact us at Reich Dental Center at 770-435-5450 today and let us guide you to getting back a perfect smile.

Request Your Appointment


Reich Dental Center


Robin Reich, DDS | Stacey Wingad, DMD | Megan Reich Rihan, DMD
Andrea Vita, DMD

Call or Text Smyrna Location:

770-435-5450



Call or Text Roswell Location:

770-992-3353



Call or Text Tucker Location:

678-534-1010


Smyrna, GA
Roswell, GA
Tucker, GA


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Normal Crowns - Smyrna, GA • Reich Dental Center
Sometimes also referred to as a cap, crowns are used by our team here at Reich Dental Center to help restore the appearance and function of a damaged tooth. Learn more here.
Reich Dental Center, 4849 S Cobb Dr SE, Smyrna, GA 30080-7145 / 770-435-5450 / reichdentalcenter.com / 3/25/2024 / Key Phrases: dentist Smyrna GA /