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Dental Crowns –
Restore Your Smile & Repair Damaged Teeth
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that restore damaged, decayed or injured teeth. The crown strengthens the tooth and can improve the overall appearance for a restored smile. Dental crowns are generally made from tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic, but can also be made from metal, resin, or stainless steel material.
You may need a dental crown for several reasons:
What Can I Expect From My Dental Crowns Appointment?
First, your dentist will take impressions of the tooth that is damaged. If further treatment is required such as a root canal or buildup filling, your dentist may schedule another appointment.
Next, your dentist will file and shape the tooth that will receive the crown. You will undergo local anesthetic for this procedure. Final impressions are then sent to a lab where the crown will be made. At your second appointment, your dentist will cement the crown to your tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. At Magnolia Dental Care, our crowns are custom-designed to resemble your natural teeth in both shape and color. We match the porcelain or ceramic material to your surrounding teeth so that the restoration blends in seamlessly. Most patients find that their crowns are virtually indistinguishable from their natural smile.
Typically, a dental crown requires two appointments. During the first visit, Dr. Latterell prepares the tooth and takes a digital impression. You will be fitted with a temporary crown while a professional dental lab crafts your permanent one. About two weeks later, you return for the second appointment to have the permanent crown bonded into place.
No. We use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area during the preparation phase, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. After the procedure, you might experience some mild sensitivity in the gums or the tooth, but this usually subsides within a few days.
With proper care, a dental crown typically lasts between 5 and 15 years. However, many patients keep their crowns much longer by practicing excellent oral hygiene: brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending regular professional cleanings at our Edina office.
If a crown feels loose or comes off, contact us immediately. A loose crown can allow bacteria to seep underneath and cause decay in the underlying tooth. If it falls off, keep the crown clean and bring it with you to your emergency appointment so Dr. Latterell can determine if it can be re-cemented or if a replacement is necessary.