6 Essential Facts You Should Know about Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are hollow, tooth-shaped caps used to “shore up” existing teeth that are in poor condition. They’re one of the most versatile treatments in dentistry and can work wonders in restoring a worn or damaged smile. If you’re unfamiliar with crown treatment, this post is for you!

Dr. Steven Phan and our team from Sac Dentist in Sacramento, California, explore six essential facts about crowns for your teeth:

Fact #1: Crowns Come in Different Materials

Crowns come in diverse materials to suit different needs. Ceramic and porcelain crowns are all-time favorites as they closely resemble natural teeth and will maintain your smile’s aesthetic appeal. Metal crowns, like gold, nickel, and palladium, offer strength and durability, but they’re less aesthetically pleasing. They’re a better option for back teeth, where they can hardly be seen. A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown combines strength and beauty.

Fact #2: Crowns are Strong & Enduring  

Crowns are quite strong and will provide you with years of quality use. Metal crowns have been known to last a lifetime. With good oral care, porcelain and ceramic crowns can last 10 – 15 years. Factors like your diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits can impact the health and longevity of your crown.

Fact #3: Crowns Serve Multiple Purposes

Crowns are mainly a restorative treatment, but can serve cosmetic purposes as well. Here are a few ways they can be used:

• Protect weak teeth
• Reinforce a tooth after root canal treatment
• Repair damaged teeth
• Support teeth with extensive decay
• Cover teeth that need cosmetic improvement
• Support a dental bridge
• Replace a missing tooth as part of dental implant treatment  

Fact #4: Getting a Crown is a Process

There’s a process to getting a crown, which often entails several dental visits. It starts with a consultation with Dr. Phan to confirm that a crown is needed. Then we’ll reshape the tooth to be fixed to make it easier to accommodate a crown. Impressions are then taken of your teeth and sent to a lab to have a custom crown created for your use. In the meantime, we’ll protect your prepped tooth with a temporary crown. When your permanent crown is ready, we’ll cement it in place for a permanent fix.

Fact #5: Crown Treatment Isn’t Painful

Dr. Phan will use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable for this treatment. Afterward, you may experience some sensitivity. This can be relieved with OTC pain medication, if needed.

Fact #6: Crowns Don’t Require Special Care   

Crowned teeth are brushed and flossed, just like regular teeth. Good oral hygiene is key to keeping your crown going strong long-term. To avoid accidental damage, we recommend you not chew on ice, pencils, or pens, or eat hard food. It’s also important to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Where to Go for Dental Crowns in Sacramento, CA

For the best that crowns have to offer in Sacramento, CA, there’s no better place than Sac Dentist. Feel free to contact Dr. Steven Phan at (916) 999-7830 for all your restorative dental needs.

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