How to Make the Most of Your Dental Crown

Dental crowns are common in modern dentistry. True to the name, dental crowns are covers for your teeth. Each crown is measured for a specific tooth to fit correctly and provide protection. A crown covers damaged or broken teeth. 

At Greenwich Dentistry in Cos Cob, Connecticut, we recommend dental crowns for several reasons, including after a root canal, to help support a bridge, or to cover a tooth with a large filling. The purpose of a crown is to ensure your tooth’s longevity. 

We use porcelain and zirconia for dental crowns. Porcelain can match your tooth color, so it’s good for more visible teeth, while zirconia offers a strong material for your back molars. We also give care instructions for your dental crown. 

What to expect from a dental crown? 

When we recommend a dental crown, it’s because you have a damaged tooth. For example, you may have a back molar that’s more filling than a tooth. Or you may have pain from an infected tooth that only a root canal can solve. In both cases, a crown offers protection.

We install dental crowns in two visits. On the first visit, we eliminate any bacteria from the infected area and take impressions of your tooth to ensure a perfect fit. The impressions are sent to a lab that custom-builds your crown.

In some cases, we place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it until the permanent crown arrives. 

On your second visit, we check the fit of the crown and bond it to your tooth with dental cement. It may take a day or two for the crown to settle; once it does, you’ll forget it’s there. 

Your new crown prevents further damage to your tooth and does so for a long time — with proper care, your crown can last 10 years or more.

Care and maintenance of your dental crown 

There’s no special care required for a crown beyond your daily flossing and brushing. Maintain good oral hygiene at home and keep up with your twice-a-year teeth cleanings to make the most of your dental crown.

Dental crowns blend in with your existing teeth and protect damaged teeth. They’re a great option to avoid losing a tooth altogether, which can be painful and lead to other complications.

Our dentists at Greenwich Dentistry offer dental crowns and many other services to ensure the long-term oral health of our patients. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call our Greenwich office today.