Dentists use dental crowns to help patients restore and strengthen their smiles. Over time, a tooth can weaken from aging, wear and tear, or injury. Crowns form a strong barrier around the inner parts of a tooth to keep it firmly rooted and healthy. Learn more about crowns and how Gairhan Dental Care in Jonesboro, AR, can successfully incorporate one or more crowns into your smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A crown is a dental implement that mimics the appearance and function of the outer enamel of a tooth. Modern crowns are usually made of porcelain because it is both durable and attractive. Before placing a crown, your Jonesboro dentist must first remove the damaged enamel from the affected tooth.
The procedure is simple and only takes two to three visits:
- Your dentist numbs the area the crown will be placed.
- The dentist makes takes an impression of your teeth and then sends it to a lab where a technician creates custom-made crowns.
- You are given a temporary crown and make another appointment with your Jonesboro dentist.
- Your dentist shapes/restructures the tooth to fit under the crown.
- If little tooth structure is left, your dentist builds it up with filling material that should support the crown.
- The permanent crown is attached with resin that hardens when exposed to a special light source.
Why Get Dental Crowns?
Crowns are often used in root canal procedures to cover up lost enamel. Covering the damaged tooth gives it a chance to heal and get stronger. It’s important to keep both the inner and outer parts of your tooth strong if you want to avoid tooth extraction or loss in the future.
Crowns don’t only have functional benefits — they can also make your smile look aesthetically better. For instance, some patients struggle with intrinsic (inner layer) tooth staining that doesn’t respond to professional whitening procedures. A crown will cover up that flaw and stay white for many years. Some patients also get crowns when they have teeth that are too small, causing unsightly gaps.
Caring for Your New Smile
In order to take proper care of your natural teeth and crowns, you need to brush twice a day and floss, at the very least, once before bed. This dental routine reduces the risk of dental decay, as well as eating healthier. Avoid sugary foods that contain acid-producing bacteria that eat away at your teeth.
Dentist appointments twice a year are another great preventative measure. Your dentist will give you a dental exam to ensure there aren’t any issues and give you a professional cleaning.
If you suffer from bruxism, it’s a good idea to wear a mouth guard or splints to increase your crown’s lifespan.
Repair, Strengthen, and Beautify Your Smile
Dr. Emily Gairhan is a Jonesboro, AR, cosmetic dentist who is happy to restore her patients’ smiles with crowns and other dental treatments. Contact Dr. Emily Gairhan at Gairhan Dental Care in Jonesboro, AR. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Gairhan today!
