Dental Crowns – Midwest City
Restore a Healthy, Flawless Smile
Do you have a damaged or decayed tooth? There are many reasons why that could be. Maybe it’s because of poor
oral hygiene, trauma while playing sports, or you accidentally tripped and fell while simply walking. Whatever the
case is, your tooth is at risk of more severe complications if you fail to seek treatment. Fortunately, Dr. Steven
Kendrick offers dental crowns in Midwest City to strengthen and protect your smile. To learn more about this
treatment option, continue reading or schedule a
consultation today!
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, also called a cap, fits over the visible portion of a damaged or decayed tooth right down to the gum
line. It can be made out of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, gold, or metal alloys. Natural-looking porcelain is
best for teeth in the front of the smile. At your consultation, you and Dr. Kendrick will discuss which material is
best for your unique case. When it is supported by a dental implant, a single crown can replace one missing tooth.
The Dental Crown Process
Before placing a dental crown, Dr. Kendrick must reshape the natural tooth first. Removing tooth enamel is necessary
to create enough space for the new dental crown to fit on top.
With CEREC technology, a beautiful ceramic dental crown can be placed in just one visit to the dentist. The traditional method for a dental crown requires two appointments with a week or two of waiting in between. But with CAD/CAM (computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing) technology and an in-house milling machine, your dentist can plan, prepare, manufacture, and place your dental crown from the comfort of our state-of-the-art dental office.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns are one of the most popular and trusted options in restorative dentistry – and there’s a
good reason for that. Patients can expect to enjoy a number of benefits, including:
- Improved comfort and chewing ability
- Lower risk of severe oral health issues down the line
- Protect the natural teeth from needing to be extracted
- A lifespan of about 15 years with proper care and maintenance
- Natural-looking restored smile
- Custom-made to feel comfortable in the mouth
Are you interested in discussing your upcoming dental crown treatment with Dr. Kendrick? Contact our team at Midwest City Dental Center and schedule an appointment today!
Dental Crowns FAQs
Our dentist may recommend you get a dental crown if the structure and strength of your tooth are severely weakened. With this procedure, we’ll be able to fully restore the function, health, and appearance of your tooth. However, you might still have inquiries about the treatment before committing to it. Our team has collected and answered several of the most common questions we get from our patients about dental crowns in Midwest City. If you don’t see the specific information you’re looking for, feel free to call our office to learn more today!
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Although dental crowns can provide a long-lasting solution for protecting your natural teeth, they won’t last forever. You can expect your restoration to last you between 5 to 15 years, depending on how well you take care of them. It’s also important to remember that your permanent teeth will need to be prepared for dental crowns. This involves removing a small portion of enamel, which will not grow back on its own. For this reason, you will need to replace the restorations when necessary to continue protecting the underlying teeth.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
The surest way to determine if you need to replace a dental crown is to visit us for an oral examination. Our team can take X-rays to monitor your teeth and restoration before deciding if a new one will be necessary. However, several symptoms can indicate if a dental crown needs a replacement, including:
- Instability: If your crown is feeling loose, contact us right away.
- Discomfort: This can be a sign that your underlying tooth is decayed.
- Dark lines at the base: If you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, you might see a dark line at the base of your restoration if it’s worn out.
- Noticeable damage or changes: You should replace your crown if it’s chipped, cracked, or discolored, which can negatively impact your confidence.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Get a Dental Crown?
While it might be tempting to hold off on getting treatment, it’s better if you receive your dental crown when your dentist in Midwest City recommends it. The longer you leave your damaged or decayed tooth exposed and untreated, the more susceptible it’ll be to further injuries. Your dental situation can even worsen to the point where you may need a root canal or tooth extraction. By choosing to receive a dental crown early on, you’ll effectively prevent future complications.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
Our team will numb your tooth with a topical anesthetic before preparing it for a dental crown. However, this might not be the case during the final crown placement. Should you feel anxious or nervous about the procedure, you may benefit from sedation therapy to keep you comfortable. Afterward, you might experience mild sensitivity or discomfort for the next few days, but this should go away on its own. You can also take OTC pain relievers to help manage it in the meantime.