General Dentistry Services
Repair Damaged Smile with Dental Crowns in NW Calgary
Have you had a root canal surgery, a large filling, or a chipped tooth? At Northland Village Dental Centre in NW Calgary, we can help you restore your damaged or worn-down teeth with dental crowns.
A dental crown is also known as a cap and is hollow. It is an artificial tooth that is used to cover a damaged or decayed tooth and restore as well as protect it from any further damage. Dental crowns are cemented onto your natural or artificial teeth to enhance their shape, appearance, and functionality. With the help of modern dentistry, dental crowns can also cover a discoloured or misconstructed tooth.
Are you facing issues that can be solved with dental crowns? Schedule an appointment at Northland Village Dental Centre in NW Calgary today.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is an artificial tooth cap used to restore the size and structure of a damaged tooth. The crown is glued to the damaged tooth, concealing the visible outside section and giving it a more natural appearance. Dental crowns are effective for teeth affected by an injury or extensive regions of decay and teeth with old metal fillings that have degraded the tooth structure. While dental crowns aren't suitable for everyone, they are a standard treatment for protecting your tooth from future damage and enhancing your natural smile.
The Procedure for Getting Dental Crowns
In most cases, a dental crown process necessitates two visits to the dentist. The dentist does any preparations for the tooth crown on the first visit. Our dentists can carefully guide you through the dental crown process. Before you go through it, you can get an idea of what to expect when you are getting your dental crowns at Northland Village Dental Centre in NW Calgary:
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At the initial appointment, the dentist will conduct an assessment to determine the best course of action. We understand how much the tooth must be taken to build a durable crown that protects the remaining tooth. To allow the dental crown to drift down over the existing tooth, the tooth will have to be ground down by roughly two millimetres on both sides and tapered marginally but symmetrically across all sides.
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We will then take an impression of your teeth to create a model of your mouth, which will be used to manufacture your custom crown. Sometimes when all edges of the tooth are ground down and any decay is removed, the size of the tooth is not tall enough to use as a crown. In that case, the dentist will use filler material to strengthen the injured tooth so that the crown may fit securely over it.
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Until your final dental crown is ready, a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth that needs to be restored to protect your tooth. The dentist will use temporary cement to secure the tooth, which can be removed easily when you visit for permanent treatment. Until you receive the permanent crown, the temporary crown will protect the tooth from everyday wear and tear.
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On your next appointment, your temporary dental crown will be replaced with a permanent dental crown. This second operation may involve using a local anesthetic to allow the dentist to remove the temporary crown and any residual cement from the residual tooth. You will have to clench your teeth after the crown is placed to strengthen the bond. You will be given a few tests to check if the bite pattern is similar to the last one. During the same visit, we will ensure that the fit, shape, colour, and bite are right.
Dental Crowns Aftercare
Patients can consume whatever meals they want once the permanent dental crown has been set and the anesthetic effect is gone. However, in the first 24 hours after the surgery, to bond the crown to the underlying tooth, it's recommended to avoid sticky foods. Excellent dental hygiene should be practised regularly. You must be mindful that crowns, particularly around the gum line of the abutment tooth, are still prone to deterioration.
If properly maintained, dental crowns can last for a long term. Brushing and flossing two times a day helps in removing plaque and keeping teeth and gums healthy. Hard foods, such as sweets or ice, should not be chewed since they can chip or damage a crown, but as their comfort in the permanent dental crown grows, they can progressively consume these foods. Make sure you see your dentist regularly so that crowns can be checked and cared for as needed.
For more information about dental crown care and aftercare, check out our blog page.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
Dental crowns are used to treat a range of issues. They safeguard fragile teeth, restore the original shape of fractured teeth, aid in preventing future cracking, and give support for teeth having large fillings. When a tooth is broken, a crown is utilized to hold a dental implant in place. This allows a natural-looking tooth to replace the space left by a missing tooth. Different dental crowns are frequently used to fix and retain a bridge in place when a patient requires one. Crowns can also be used to cap a tooth with a root canal treatment. In order to enhance the natural appearance of your smile, a crown can also be applied over dark or discoloured teeth.
You may need a dental crown for the following:
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To protect your weak tooth from decaying or breaking.
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To restore your severely worn-down tooth.
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To support or cover a large tooth filling.
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To hold your dental bridge firmly in place.
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To cover severely discoloured teeth.
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To cover a dental implant.
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To make a cosmetic modification.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made from different types of materials. Our dentists can consult you with the most suitable dental crown based on your oral health. Dental crowns come in the following materials:
Porcelain Dental Crowns
These dental crowns look the most natural. However, they are more brittle than metal or composite dental crowns and may chip easily, which is why they are not placed on your back teeth.
Metal Dental Crowns
They are made of gold and can last for an extended period since they do not chip or break easily. However, the gold colour does not look natural, especially on the front teeth.
Composite Dental Crowns
They look natural and won’t chip easily, yet they wear down more quickly than other types of crowns from chewing. Tooth brushing tends to remove the highly polished surface of your composite crowns, staining them more easily.
Generally, dental crowns last for years when properly cared for through regular brushing and cleaning. Visit our dental clinic, and our team will help you determine which dental crowns are right for you.
Dental Crowns | FAQs
Some of the common dental crown questions our patients are most concerned about are:
What Is The Purpose of a Dental Crown?
A crown's principal function is to cover or preserve a damaged tooth. Your dentist may recommend a dental crown to complete your treatment if you have had a root canal or a severe cavity. A crown may also be required as part of a dental bridge or in conjunction with dental implants.
What Materials Do Crowns Contain?
Depending on the type, dental crowns can be made out of metals, ceramic, metal alloy, resin, or porcelain.
Is It Possible to Get a Crown in Just One Visit?
It is possible to get a crown in one appointment. However, often, at least two dental visits are required to ensure the high quality and longevity of crowns.
Is Getting a Dental Crown Painful?
Since your natural teeth are trimmed to fit crowns, it may seem like the process is painful, but that is not the case. During the process, your dentist will numb your mouth to make sure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort.
Do I Need Time to Recover After Getting a Dental Crown?
No, the process of getting dental crowns does not include any surgical procedures. There is no pain or discomfort, so you can get back to your normal routine without waiting for recovery.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
If you take good care of your porcelain crowns, they can last more than 20 years. Porcelain is a durable material and is considered as strong and hard as your natural enamel. The longevity of your dental crown depends on the care and maintenance you offer to them.
Will My Dental Crown Feel Normal Instantly?It will take some time for you to adjust to how it feels; but, it will start feeling normal in about 2-4 days. If you continue to feel some kind of discomfort, please visit your dentist. They will check for any issues and get them fixed on time.
If you have any other questions about dental crowns, feel free to contact our team today. You can also visit our clinic for other dental services.
Reliable Dental Crowns in NW Calgary
Get your dental crowns from our dentists in NW Calgary.