Get Royal Oral Health with a Dental Crown of Longview

You’ve decided to make this your year to regain focus on your oral health. Therefore, you’re making room in your schedule to get in to visit your dentist. And this will be your chance to undergo the dental crown of Longview procedure that he advised you to have at the end of last year. You know you’ve procrastinated, but you’re hoping that there’s still time to salvage your tooth. Learn more about how the dental crown procedure works and why it’s beneficial for you to act on it.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a restoration that fits completely over an existing tooth. It’s used in situations where there is lost tooth structure, damage or to cover a dental implant. Its ultimate purposes are to restore the function of your tooth and protect it from further damage.

The process begins with an initial visit to your dentist, where your dentist takes a bite impression to be forwarded to a lab, where your new crown will be fabricated. While the permanent crown is being crafted, you’ll be given a temporary one to wear. After your dentist gets the permanent version back from the lab, you’ll return to have it inserted.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several types of dental crowns to choose from. Each offers its own unique advantages:

• Ceramic Crowns – Ceramic (porcelain-based) crowns are most often used to restore front teeth. Their color and texture make them great for blending in with the natural color of your front teeth. Where necessary, they can also be given a hint of color to better match your teeth. They are not recommended for your molars and pre-molars, however. The brittle nature of ceramic can cause them to break when exposed to the heavy biting pressure of your jaw clamping down.
• Porcelain-Fused to Metal Crowns – These provide you with a crown that looks just like your natural teeth and a durable metal structure. It’s important to note, though, that the process requires your dentist to remove some your existing tooth structure.
• Gold Alloy Crown – Gold alloy dental crowns contain a combination of gold, copper and other metals. This option offers a more durable, biocompatible structure.
• Base Metal Alloy Crown – These are resistant to corrosion and offer durability as well, and they require minimal tooth removal to prepare for them to be adhered.

The Comfort of Your Crown

Metal fused crowns can cause some discomfort at times, due to the fact that the material can irritate your gums, but for the most part, a correctly placed crown may feel a little strange initially, but should adjust within a couple of weeks, causing no discomfort. If any persists, it may be a sign of an improper fitting application or more severe tooth decay that needs to be addressed.

When you are fortunate enough to get your new crowns, take advantage of the opportunity to improve your oral hygiene and overall health. Be sure to brush and floss at least twice a day, make healthier food choices and visit your dentist in Longview semi-annually for thorough cleanings and examinations. This will guarantee your optimum oral health for years to come.

About the Author

George R. Stoddard, DDS graduated from Sam Houston State University and then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He has over 25 years of experience in the dentistry profession and continues to care for his patients at Longview Dental Center. He can be reached for more information through his website.