Affordable Dental Crowns at Smile Symphony

Lithia Springs Dentist, making Dental Crowns affordable. Please visit our office at smilesymphony.com.

Dental Crown

A dental crown is a lab-fabricated, tooth-shaped “cap” covering the tooth.

The purpose of the crown is to replace a broken crown and nonfunctional tooth. Crowns can restore the esthetics and daily function of the damaged tooth.

Reasons for making dental crowns

• When the decay is so severe, it undermines the structure and strength of the tooth.
• If a tooth is broken or undergoes extensive wear and tear.
• Reinforcing the strength of a root-canalled tooth.
• Holding a bridge in place.
• To cover an implant.

Types of Crowns

Several factors need to be addressed to determine which crown to use. The degree of damaged tooth, proximity of the tooth, and cost of the material used are all important in choosing the crown.

• All-ceramic Crown: These crowns provide the most esthetic option, and so are primarily placed in the front region. The disadvantage is that the ceramic material is brittle and can break with heavy force.

• All-metal Crown: They provide the most strength and support, especially in the weight-bearing back teeth.

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crown: A combination of all-ceramic and all-metal, they provide the benefits of both materials, esthetics and strength, respectively.

• Zirconia Crown: Using computer software, the crowns can be made at the dental office in one appointment.

Dental Crown Procedure

About two visits:

First appointment:

• Impressions are taken for your temporary crown.

• Following anesthesia, the dentist will decrease the size of the tooth in preparation for the crown-fitting at the next appointment.

• An impression of the reduced tooth is taken and sent to the technician for the final crown formation.

• The most appropriate shade of the crown is chosen by the dentist and patient.

• Using the first impression, a temporary crown is made to protect the tooth until the next appointment.

Second appointment:

• The temporary crown is removed and the prepared tooth cleaned.

• The permanent crown is placed on the tooth to make sure the fit is accurate.

• If the chewing surface seems high, it may interfere and disturb your bite. We will adjust the surface for a more uniform bite.

• Finally, once the patient and dentist are satisfied with the crown, it will be cemented.

At-home instructions after a crown procedure

• Use pain-killers, such as Ibuprofen, if soreness is felt after the tooth preparation.
• Salt water rinses can be used when the gum tissue becomes red or irritated.
• Refrain from eating anything until the anesthetic wears off, to prevent injury of the gums and cheeks.
• Do not eat sticky or hard food after the placement of the temporary crown. To prevent dislodgment of the crown, chew on the opposite side.
• The day of the crown placement, we recommended eating soft food.
• In case the temporary crown breaks or dislodges, save the crown and call our office as soon as possible.
• To prevent the crown from potentially dislodging while flossing around the temporary crown, slide the floss under the crown and pull outwards rather than lifting upwards.
• One or two days after the placement of the crown some pressure might be felt. Please visit our office if discomfort lasts longer than two or three days.
• Sometimes the cement washes out, resulting in the tooth becoming loose, thus posing a risk of bacteria infiltration. Please call us as soon as possible at 770-489-9141 if the crown feels loose.

Frequently asked questions about dental crowns

• Will the crown look like my natural teeth?

Yes, crowns are made to replicate the natural appearance of your teeth. Dyes or custom stains can be applied to blend it in with the adjacent teeth.

• How long will my crown last?

They can last up to ten or more years, depending on the oral hygiene and habits of the patient. In patients that grind their teeth or chew on ice or fingernails, the lifetime of the crown is lower, due to wear and potential fracture.

• How can I maintain the hygiene of the crown?

Cleaning the teeth and gums regularly is critical to the life of the crown. Brushing two times a day and flossing everyday will help create a hygienic environment. For bridges, special flosses called super floss can effectively clean in between the teeth and under the bridge. Fracture may occur if hard food is consumed. If the patient grinds their teeth, the dentist may supply a night guard to help avoid damage to the crown.

• Will the reduction of the tooth hurt?

No, anesthesia will be given prior to the reduction.

• What is a post crown?

In a root-canalled tooth, a post is placed on which a crown is seated, providing stability and support of the crown.