Dental Crowns – Oklahoma City, OK
We Can Seamlessly Repair Your Smile
Does one of your teeth have a noticeable chip, crack, or stain that seriously mars your otherwise beautiful smile? In the past, you may have had to simply suffer through having an imperfect grin, but these days, we can seamlessly repair your smile by placing a dental crown. Not only do these custom-made restorations look just like your natural teeth, but they are able to withstand the daily pressures of chewing and can last for over a decade. If you’re interested in repairing your broken teeth with dental crowns in Oklahoma City, keep reading below to learn more about them.
Why Choose Jeffrey Hermen, D.D.S. for Dental Crowns?
- High-Quality Materials Lead to High-Quality Results
- Sedation Guarantees Every Procedure Is Comfortable
- Won’t Stop Until a Restoration Is Absolutely Perfect
What Are Dental Crowns?
The crown of your tooth is the portion above your gumline that is visible in your smile. A dental crown is called this because it fits snugly over this section of your tooth to restore its structure, function, and appearance. Think of a dental crown like a little “cap” that is placed over your tooth. Each restoration is custom-made to blend in with the rest of your smile. Most crowns used to be made from noticeable metal, but nowadays, we typically use dental porcelain because of its uncanny ability to resemble tooth enamel.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are ideal in any of the following situations:
- To restore a recently placed dental implant
- To repair a damaged tooth that already has multiple existing fillings
- To repair a tooth that has been more than half damaged by decay
- To protect a tooth from further damage due to injury or bruxism (teeth grinding)
- To protect a tooth after root canal therapy
The Process of Receiving a Crown
After we have decided that a dental crown is the right treatment for your smile, getting a crown takes two appointments. During the first of these visits, Dr. Hermen prepares your tooth by shaving off the outermost layer of enamel (don’t worry, your mouth will be numb for this process). This step is necessary to ensure your crown won’t bulge out in the line of your smile. Once the tooth has been sufficiently prepped, we take detailed impressions to create a mold. That mold then is sent off to our partnered dental lab. From there, a skilled dental ceramist begins the process of crafting your restoration.
Because this process takes a few weeks, your tooth will need protection until then. We can place a temporary plastic crown over your tooth in the meantime. When your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to our office and we’ll switch your temporary for your long-term restoration. We won’t rest until you are perfectly satisfied with the results!
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
When a tooth is badly damaged, the only options are to repair or extract it. Since extracting teeth can lead to a whole host of oral health issues, we generally try to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. Dental crowns are a great way to repair said teeth. Some of the other benefits of dental crowns include:
- You should be able to enjoy crunchy foods to your heart’s content.
- We take all other aspects of your smile into account when making your crown. As a result, it will perfectly match the rest of your pearly whites.
- Provided you take care of your crown with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, it can last 10+ years before it needs to be replaced.
Are you ready to get your broken tooth in Oklahoma City repaired? Then call us today and schedule a consultation to see whether dental crowns are right for you. We can’t wait to help you improve your smile!
Dental Crown FAQs
Learning you need a dental crown can have you formulating a list of questions in your mind. What will it look like? How will it feel once it’s placed? Will I be able to eat normally? You do not need to feel alone when it comes to better understanding the process of receiving this commonly used restoration. Dr. Hermen has compiled a list of dental crown FAQs in Oklahoma City for you to review. If you have additional questions or concerns about preparing for your crown placement, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Does it hurt to have a dental crown put into place?
Before receiving your dental crown, Dr. Hermen will need to prep your natural tooth by clearing away the decayed or damaged areas of the tooth, sealing it, and filing it down to ensure a proper fit once the crown is put into place. This process does require that you receive at least a numbing agent to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure. Once the effects wear off, your tooth and gums may feel a bit sore; however, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help to alleviate discomfort.
Will my dental crown look natural?
Since Dr. Hermen uses only the highest quality materials, you can expect your dental crown to look and feel completely natural. While it is still possible to have a silver or gold crown, most dental professionals are turning to tooth-colored materials. Why? Because patients want to avoid the potential for others seeing their dental work.
Using dental porcelain, it is capable of emulating regular tooth enamel, making it possible for the restoration to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Is it possible for the natural tooth beneath the crown to experience damage or decay?
The goal of a dental crown is to protect your natural tooth against further reinfection or damage. If placed correctly, you should not have to worry about either happening, especially if you continue to maintain good oral hygiene. However, if you avoid brushing, flossing, rinsing, and keeping your regular dental checkups and cleanings, it is possible that the already weakened tooth can be affected. Should the crown fall off at any point, the tooth is now more vulnerable to decay and damage, but the composite resin used to fill the tooth creates a tight seal that should keep harmful bacteria out.
What can I do to take better care of my dental crown?
To ensure your dental crown remains in place as long as possible, there are a few things you can do, such as:
- Brush twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss at least once daily, preferably before bed, and take care to floss around the crown and at its base
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to flush away any residue left behind
- Avoid hard, crunchy foods that can easily damage your restoration
- Quit smoking and drinking excessively
- Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth while playing sports or if you grind your teeth at night
You will also want to make sure you keep your regular six-month dental appointments with Dr. Hermen to allow him to examine your restoration and make sure no issues are arising that could negatively impact your oral health.