Dental Crown FAQs

Blue Ash Dental • June 3, 2021

Do you have that one tooth that just doesn’t want to play along with the others? Maybe it’s a different shape, a different color or just too sensitive? At Blue Ash Dental Group, we provide you with simple solutions to nagging problems.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-like cap cemented to a tooth that is need of strengthening, reshaping or cosmetic improvement. With a crown, the original tooth (or partial tooth if cracked or broken) remains along with the dental root. The purpose of a crown would be to give your troubled tooth the boost it needs to function and appear as a healthy tooth. It can protect a weak tooth, give a full shape to a damaged tooth, or cover up a tooth that is discolored or misshapen.

Dental crowns can be made to resemble your permanent teeth (ceramic, porcelain, resin, etc.) or can add some sparkle (and less wear and tear) to your smile with metal or stainless steel.

What Is Involved in the Procedure?

The initial visit regarding your dental crown involves preparing the tooth for the procedure and deciding on the style cap that’s perfect for you. Ensuring that your natural tooth will accept a bonding with an artificial cap may require filing or filling. A mold of this prepared tooth base will be taken and used to fabricate your dental crown. You leave our office with a temporary crown and return once your custom crown is ready for placement.

Is a Dental Crown Painful?

With any restorative dentistry, mild discomfort is to be expected. During the preparation of your tooth, you will benefit from local anesthesia (novocaine) during any filing or drilling required. After the placement of your new crown, you may experience some tenderness at the gums. The most common challenge is getting used to your newly structured tooth.

How Do I Care for My Dental Crown?

Your new crown is now a part of your mouth so it needs to be treated as well as the other occupants if it is to last the average span of 5 to 15 years. Disciplined brushing and flossing is mandatory, especially to ensure healthy gums at the base of your cap. It’s also recommended to avoid too many hard or abrasive foods as they can wear down the crown more easily than a natural tooth, leading to a replacement sooner than typically expected.