When Do You Need A Dental Crown On A Tooth?
Think of a dental crown as a protective cap that fits snugly over a damaged, weakened, or treated tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. At Dentist on Colonial Drive, we offer custom porcelain dental crowns in Ocoee, FL that are crafted to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth, because they should.
When Is a Dental Crown Needed?
- After a root canal, to protect and reinforce the treated tooth
- A tooth with a large cavity that is too big for a filling to adequately restore
- A cracked, fractured, or broken tooth that needs structural support
- A severely worn tooth (often from grinding or acid erosion)
- Cosmetic improvement, to cover a discolored, misshapen, or damaged tooth
- To anchor a dental bridge in place
- To complete a dental implant restoration
Types of Dental Crowns
- Porcelain (All-Ceramic) Crowns – the most natural-looking option; ideal for front teeth
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns – strong and natural-looking; suitable for front or back teeth
- Zirconia Crowns – extremely durable and aesthetic, great for back teeth that undergo heavy chewing force
- Same-Day CEREC Crowns – some crowns can be designed, milled, and placed in a single visit using in-office CAD/CAM technology
The Crown Process
- Dr. Nalini Ramlochan, D.M.D. examines the tooth and discusses the best crown material for your situation.
- The tooth is gently shaped to accommodate the crown.
- Impressions or digital scans are taken to design your custom crown.
- A temporary crown is placed while your permanent crown is fabricated.
- At your follow-up visit, the permanent crown is checked for fit and bite, then cemented into place.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, regular brushing and flossing, avoiding chewing on hard objects, and attending routine cleanings, a well-placed crown can last 15 years or more. Some crowns last a lifetime.
Caring for Your Crown
Treat your crown like a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss daily (paying special attention to the gumline around the crown), and come in for your regular cleanings. Avoid chewing very hard foods or ice, which can crack even the strongest crown. For more on crowns and tooth restoration, visit WebMD’s guide to dental crowns.