All You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

Millcreek_UT_Dentist
Medically Reviewed By
Jonathan G. Campbell, DDS, FAGD
One of the top rated Dentist in Salt Lake City, UT
dental crown cleaning with a brush

Restoring a tooth may sound scary or uncomfortable, but there are many cosmetic dentistry procedures with today’s technology to help you get your full smile back.

You may have heard of dental crowns.

But what are they really? How are they made? How long do they last? How should you care for them?

You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers.

We’ll help you learn the basics about dental crowns so that you can make a more informed decision about your dental care.

Let’s get into it.

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns restore teeth in look and function.

It’s a custom-made tooth cover to restore a tooth’s function, so you eat and speak normally.

You may need a crown due to a damaged tooth from tooth decay or trauma or are undergoing a root canal or dental implant. In some cases, you may even need emergency dental crowns.

Another type of crown is a traditional crown, which is expertly made in an outside dental lab and is available in metal or porcelain materials. You may also need to undergo a root canal surgery along with dental crown.

How are dental crowns made?

While dental crowns are made using an in-office system or an outside lab, the basic process is similar.

  • Step 1: After a consultation, the dentist preps your teeth and takes impressions or a digital scan of your mouth.
  • Step 2: Your impressions are used to create your custom crown. The custom crown is made to suit your appearance and is custom-designed in shape, size, and even color if a ceramic material is used.
  • Step 3: Your crown is fitted to ensure a proper fit and bite and then adhered onto your tooth or implant.

If an outside lab creates the crown, the process takes a few weeks to make the crown. You’ll wear a temporary crown and come back when your permanent crown is ready.

Both types of crowns are long-lasting with proper care.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns last on average from 5 -15 years, but this depends on dental care and lifestyle.

While a crown is not guaranteed for a lifetime, it’s a long-term tooth restoration that provides peace of mind with strength and durability.

To make your dental crowns last longer:

  • Brush and floss with an FDA-approved toothpaste that’s non-abrasive.
  • Visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings and to check your crown’s integrity.
  • Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night.
  • Don’t eat chewy or hard foods excessively.
  • Don’t smoke.

Your dentist will outline the best way to care for your new crown and help extend its lifespan.

Dental crown aftercare basics:

Getting a crown is exciting! Especially if you’ve been waiting to restore your tooth for a while.

It may take a few days to get used to it, and your dentist will recommend ways to improve your comfort.

After getting your permanent crown:

  • Avoid hard and excessively chewy or sticky foods.
  • Ease discomfort by taking ibuprofen or using sensitive toothpaste.
  • Brush and floss normally and maintain regular dental visits every six months for cleanings and exams.

Any numbness after the procedure will wear off after a few hours. While feeling numb, please don’t eat hard or warm foods to avoid biting yourself or burning your mouth.

As for the comfort:

The dentist checks for a comfortable fit and bite, but if there’s any discomfort or pain of concern, then please contact your dentist directly.

Need a dental crown in Salt Lake City?

Our team at Legacy Dental offers traditional crowns with Keating Dental Arts.

We’ll recommend the best crown or other cosmetic dentistry procedure for you based on your needs.

Our warm, caring, and knowledgeable staff make your optimal dental health a priority.

“I have been going to this dentist for well over 10 years. They’re the best! They make you feel comfortable and, whatever they’re working on, get it done in a timely but effective manner.” -Bette A.

View our smile gallery for life-changing smile makeovers.

Schedule your dental crown consultation today:

We’re located in Salt Lake City and serve the following areas: Salt Lake County, Millcreek, East Millcreek, Holladay, Sugarhouse, Murray, Midvale, South Salt Lake, Sandy, Taylorsville, West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, and Herriman.

Legacy Dental blog is proudly run by our Salt Lake City dentists team; We share knowledge about general dental care and practices. Apart from running this blog, we offer various dental services such as general dentistry, emergency dentistry, and dental implants for the community in Salt Lake City, Utah

How to reach us in and around Salt Lake City, Utah

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Tuesday: 8.00am – 8:00pm
Wednesday: 8.00am – 8:00pm
Thursday: 8.00am – 8:00pm
Friday: 8.00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 8.00am – 2:00pm
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