Dental Crowns – Centennial, CO
A Dental Restoration Fit for Royalty
Cracked and chipped teeth are more vulnerable to further damage, infection, cavities, and gum disease – and they can feel uncomfortable when you bite down. Fortunately, you don’t have to endure these problems for long! At our office in Centennial, we’ll gladly fit you for a quality dental crown. Once the cap is fixed over your tooth, it will be protected from these troublesome issues, feel more comfortable, and, if you choose a tooth-colored material, look perfectly seamless in your smile. Give us a call today, and we can get you started with a consultation.
Why Choose Homestead Dental For Dental Crowns?
- A Variety Of Materials To Choose From
- We Welcome Patients Of All Ages
- Partnered With CareCredit For Flexible Financing
What Is a Dental Crown?
The word “crown” isn’t too far off from what it’s like to receive this treatment. It’s basically a hollowed-out cap that will be placed over your tooth for 360-degree coverage. While fillings are ideal for repairing small holes eaten away by cavities, a dental crown provides more comprehensive protection for teeth that are severely damaged or misshapen.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
First, you’ll meet with Dr. Cote or Dr. Schope to discuss the details of your unique treatment. This is the “consultation” part of the process and is important for making sure you and our skilled dentists are on the same page. This is also when you’ll be examined for any existing oral conditions that could interfere with the treatment process.
From there, we’ll send your preferred crown customizations to a dental lab, where they’ll start to fabricate your permanent crown out of the materials you chose (gold, ceramic, zirconia, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal). It will take about a week or two to create your crown, so in the meantime, Dr. Cote and Dr. Schope will provide you with a temporary restoration. That way, your tooth will still be protected while you wait!
Once your crown is crafted, all that’s left to do is return to our office for your final placement.
Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Although stability is the main advantage of receiving a dental crown, there are plenty of other benefits as well! Here’s what you can expect:
- Restored oral function
- Improved comfort
- Easy maintenance
- A full smile for up to 15 years or more
Dental Crown FAQs
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Generally speaking, you can expect your dental crown to last anywhere between 5 and 15 years, but this can vary depending on the material the crown is made from. Metal crowns usually have a longer lifespan than metal-free ones, but not in all cases. The biggest factor that contributes to the life of dental crowns is your lifestyle habits, like what you eat, oral hygiene, and bad oral habits, like smoking and teeth grinding. Dental crowns placed in the front of the mouth tend to last longer than crowns placed on molars because they don’t endure as much wear and tear.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
Just like when you get a filling, your dentist will begin your procedure by numbing the area they will be working on. Usually, all this takes is a local anesthetic, but if you are particularly anxious about your visit, there are sedation options available to help. After your tooth is prepared, you may experience some soreness for a few days afterward, but this should be mild and temporary. In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to manage this. Since dental crowns protect vulnerable teeth from damage, they can actually prevent discomfort in the future.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Get a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are only recommended when absolutely necessary. You might feel tempted to put it off, but it is always best to schedule as soon as you can. If you wait too long, you are leaving your tooth exposed to chewing forces, food debris, and bacteria, ultimately causing the decay or damage to worsen. Eventually the tooth may need a root canal or extraction. To preserve as much of your natural tooth as you can, try to get a dental crown as soon as one is recommended by your dentist.
What Can I Eat with a Temporary Crown?
You should be able to chew comfortably with your temporary crown, but it is best to avoid certain foods until your permanent crown is seated. You should avoid items that are particularly hard or sticky because they can damage, loosen, or dislodge your temporary crown. You should also stay away from food and drinks that are particularly hot or cold because they can affect the cement’s ability to hold your crown in place. On top of that, extreme temperatures can worsen sensitivity. Once your final crown is placed, you can return to your normal diet.