Dental crowns, often referred to as “caps,” represent a blend of artistry and dental science, offering a robust solution for teeth that are damaged, decayed, or aesthetically compromised. At Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry, we utilize dental crowns to restore not only the function of your teeth but also their natural appearance, ensuring a confident and healthy smile. Unlike veneers, which only cover the front surface of a tooth, a dental crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. This comprehensive coverage makes crowns the ideal restoration when a tooth has lost a significant amount of its natural structure.
What are Dental Crowns and Why Might You Need One?
A dental crown is essentially a custom-made covering that fits precisely over your prepared tooth. We recommend dental crowns for a variety of reasons, all aimed at preserving and enhancing your dental health. These include:
- Post Root Canal Support: Following a root canal procedure, a tooth can become more brittle. A crown provides essential support and protection to prevent fracture.
- Repairing Fractured Teeth: When a tooth is significantly fractured or broken down by decay to the extent that a filling is insufficient, a crown offers a durable and long-lasting restoration.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Dental crowns can dramatically improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or otherwise unattractive teeth, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Dental Bridgework: Crowns serve as anchors for dental bridges, effectively replacing missing teeth and restoring proper bite and alignment.
The Dental Crown Procedure at Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry: What to Expect
The process of getting a dental crown at Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry typically involves two comfortable visits to our Asheville office. Our skilled dental team ensures each step is performed with precision and patient comfort in mind.
Visit 1: Tooth Preparation and Temporary Crown
During your first visit, we begin by meticulously preparing the tooth to receive the crown. This involves:
- Removing Decay and Old Fillings: Any existing decay or old fillings are carefully removed to create a clean and healthy foundation.
- Building a Strong Foundation: If necessary, a “build-up” material may be used to ensure there is sufficient tooth structure to support the crown securely.
- Tooth Reshaping: The tooth is gently reshaped, both on the chewing surface (occlusally) and around the sides (circumferentially), to create space for the precise fit of the permanent crown.
- Impressions: Accurate impressions of your prepared tooth are taken. These impressions are then sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will custom-craft your permanent crown.
- Temporary Crown Placement: Finally, we create and place a temporary crown. This temporary crown is designed to protect the prepared tooth, maintain space, and provide a natural appearance until your permanent crown is ready. It will be carefully matched to your tooth color for esthetics.
Visit 2: Permanent Crown Placement
Your second appointment is focused on the placement of your custom-made permanent crown. This visit is typically straightforward and efficient:
- Temporary Crown Removal: We gently remove the temporary crown.
- Permanent Crown Try-In: The permanent crown is carefully placed and checked for a perfect fit, ensuring proper alignment, bite, and aesthetics. We pay meticulous attention to detail at this stage.
- Permanent Cementation: Once we are completely satisfied with the fit and appearance, the permanent crown is securely cemented into place using a strong dental adhesive.
After the cementation, you will be advised to exercise slight caution when chewing on the crowned tooth for a few hours to allow the cement to fully set. Following this brief period, you can resume your normal eating habits and enjoy the restored function and beauty of your smile.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
With proper care, a dental crown from Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry can provide years of reliable service. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, and scheduling routine dental check-ups are essential for the longevity of your crown and overall dental health.
If you are considering dental crowns or have questions about restoring your smile, we invite you to contact Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry in Asheville. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful, and confident smile.
