Dental Crown![]() Crowns are placed on top of the biting surface of the tooth and help to alleviate pain and discomfort along with restoring any lost functionality. When patients experience pain in their teeth, they will alter the way they chew which can in turn cause problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It can also change the biting surfaces of the teeth which can make the jaw shift out of alignment. By placing a crown over the tooth in question, the pain is alleviated and the discomfort is gone, returning the biting motion and biting surfaces back to normal. In most cases, crowns are made of porcelain. For those patients who are struggling with tooth pain, please come see us at our Wy'East Dental office so can go over the available treatment options. Benefits of a Crown PlacementWhen patients begin losing their adult teeth it can be unsettling. If they happen to be suffering from late-stage periodontal disease, their jawbone structure can be compromised, and they could lose numerous teeth. By placing a crown on the tooth, it can help to strengthen the tooth and raise the health of the oral cavity. Tooth crowns are also used, in some cases, to cover discolored patches on the teeth. Following root canals, they are placed to ensure the infection does not attack the tooth again. Are Porcelain Crowns Best?In almost every situation, porcelain will be chosen over any other type of crown. It has a more natural feel to the patient when they are chewing, and it is incredibly resilient. Porcelain can also be tinted and shaped easily to match the way the existing teeth look so the crown will blend in. Crown Placement ProcedureFor crowns to be properly placed it takes more than a single office visit. The site of the crown is cleaned, and all signs of infection and gum disease are removed. X-rays will be employed to determine if enough bone mass exists to properly support the crown. If not, there are other procedures required before the placement can ensue. It takes approximately a month for the crown to be manufactured to the patient's specifications. It will be tinted and shaped to fit and blend in with the other teeth in the oral cavity. Crown LongevityAs with anything, the lifespan of the crown will depend upon how well the patient takes care of it. The patient needs to brush and floss regularly and avoid beverages and food with high acid content. In most cases, crowns will last approximately 10 years. Any questions about crowns should be answered by contacting our Wy'East Dental office. Patients reach us by phone by calling (503) 919-2802. |