Litchfield Dental Dental Blog

What to Expect with Dental Crowns in Litchfield MN

When it comes to repairing a cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth, dental crowns are the most common treatment option, except in few cases where dental fillings may be used for minimal tooth damage in the front teeth. 

One key difference between dental crowns and fillings is that the latter draw their strength from the tooth, whereas crowns strengthen the tooth by enclosing it with a cap. Depending on the extent of damage, a well-placed filling may last between 5 and 15 years, whereas a dental crown should last a lifetime. In general, if more than 50% of the tooth is damaged, then a crown should be placed. If a filled tooth continues to deteriorate, then it can be strengthened by a crown. 

Your dentist may recommend dental crowns to address the following problems:

  • Decay – that has affected more than half the tooth, such that a filling cannot be used 
  • To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy 
  • Broken or fractured teeth 
  • To replace large fillings 
  • To fix chips and cracks 
  • To close small gaps between teeth 
  • To support dental bridges when replacing missing teeth 

Living with a Dental Crown

Crowns are intended to last a lifetime, which means that they are made from tough and durable materials that are also wear and stain-resistant. That said, the exposed section of your natural tooth – that has not been enclosed by the tooth cap – is still susceptible to decay if you don’t exercise good oral hygiene. It’s important that you brush and floss your teeth every day, and visit the dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings to ensure optimal oral health. 

Just as the crown material is stain resistant, it also cannot be bleached. So if you plan on whitening your teeth, your dentist may recommend that you start with it. This way, the shade of your crown can be selected based on the color of your new, sparkling white smile to create a uniform look. 

To learn more about dental crowns and whether they’re good for you, please schedule a consultation with your dentist.

Dental Crown Procedure in Litchfield MN

One of the most frequent dental restorations and cosmetic procedures is the crown. A damaged and weakened tooth, which has been severely traumatized or decayed, is held together by this strong and durable cap, thus saving a tooth that might otherwise be extracted. Other advantages of crowns include: 

Other benefits of tooth crowns include:

Avoiding Tooth Loss

The crown protects the remaining natural tooth so you are not forced to extract it. Crowns can be used to save decayed teeth, where the cavity has formed on more than 50 percent of the tooth, such that a filling cannot be used. To save the tooth, the dentist needs to remove the decay, clean the site, and cement the custom crown in place, restoring the complete function of your mouth. 

Saving Your Damaged Teeth

Severe tooth damage usually requires a crown, because other forms of treatment are inadequate to restore the tooth. Some of the common applications of crowns include:

  • To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy 
  • To repair broken or fractured teeth 
  • To replace large fillings 
  • To fix chips and cracks 

Cosmetic Restorations

If saving your tooth is critical, your dentist may suggest tooth-colored materials so that the restored tooth blends in with the other teeth. Because tooth-colored materials reflect light in the same manner as natural teeth, it is difficult to distinguish between tooth enamel and a restoration. This allows you to both restore and improve your smile.

If you have any questions or concerns about dental crowns, please visit your dentist today.

Dental Crowns FAQs – Litchfield MN

A dental crown, also known as a tooth cap, is used to strengthen a tooth’s structure, return its normal size, shape, and function, and/or improve its appearance. A tooth crowned fully covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, resulting in a new outer surface. 

Common Applications of Dental Crowns 

A dental crown is a permanent tooth repair option that can be used to restore different kinds of dental damage, including:

  • Missing tooth – can be used to support bridgework or paired with a dental implant 
  • Large cavity that would otherwise require a large filling 
  • Weakened tooth due to excess wear or cracks – to support and protect the remaining structure 
  • Decayed tooth – can be used to strengthen a tooth restored with root canal therapy 
  • Poorly shaped or severely discolored tooth – to conceal the imperfection and improve your smile 

Tooth Colored Dental Crowns 

A dental crown, also known as a tooth cap, is used to strengthen a tooth’s structure, return its normal size, shape, and function, and/or improve its appearance. A tooth crowned fully covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, resulting in a new outer surface. 

The most natural tooth appearance can be achieved with tooth-colored crowns, which blend in with your natural teeth to make the repair unnoticeable, resulting in an even, white smile. 

To learn more about dental crowns and whether they’re right for you, please schedule a visit with our office.

Dental Crown Specialist Near Me in Litchfield MN

A dental crown or tooth cap can be used to fix chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. Fillings may be used to repair minor tooth damage in some instances. Crowns are preferable to fillings unless the damage is minor and limited to the front teeth. Fillings are less expensive than crowns, but they are not as strong unless the damage is minimal. Otherwise, crowns are preferred. 

Crowns can be successfully used to treat various dental problems, including:

  • Decay – that has affected more than half the tooth, such that a filling cannot be used 
  • To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy 
  • Broken or fractured teeth 
  • To replace large fillings 
  • To fix chips and cracks 
  • To close small gaps between teeth 
  • To support dental bridges when replacing missing teeth 

What’s the Process For A Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are one of the most popular dental restoration procedures for people of all ages, as most people are good candidates for them. Cosmetic improvements to damaged teeth can also be accomplished using tooth caps. 

During your initial consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for dental crowns. The treatments starts by numbing the damaged tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Then, depending on the type of damage, any decay will be removed and the site thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in preparation for placing the filling material in the cavity. The dentist will also take digital impressions that will be used to create your custom crown, making sure to match the color of your crown to that of your teeth, or use a different shade if you wish to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. 

Contact Your Dentist Today 

Please contact your dentist today to learn more about dental crowns and other dental restorative options that can work for you.

Dental Crowns Near Me, Litchfield MN

Dental Crowns are one of the most popular restorative and cosmetic treatments in dentistry. They provide a strong and durable cap that holds together a tooth that has been severely damaged and weakened by trauma or decay, helping to save a tooth that may otherwise have been extracted. 

When Are Dental Crowns Used?

Dental crowns can be used to repair a variety of dental damage, including: 

  • Missing tooth – can be used to support bridgework or paired with a dental implant 
  • Large cavity that would otherwise require a large filling 
  • Weakened tooth due to excess wear or cracks – to support and protect the remaining structure 
  • Decayed tooth – can be used to strengthen a tooth restored with root canal therapy 
  • Poorly shaped or severely discolored tooth – to conceal the imperfection and improve your smile 

If you’re planning on getting a dental crown, then you should try to learn as much as you can about this versatile treatment before scheduling your dental visit. Although your dental team can provide the information you need, educating yourself about the procedure will allow you to ask the right questions to ensure that the results you get are exactly what you wanted. 

Tooth Colored Dental Crowns 

Tooth-colored crowns will give you the most natural tooth appearance because they blend in with your natural teeth and make the repair unnoticeable, producing an even, white smile. 

To learn more about dental crowns and whether they’re right for you, please schedule a visit with our office. 

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6 Month Smiles

Six Month Smiles is a short term orthodontic treatment that involves wearing clear braces to straighten and improve tooth alignment. This alternative treatment is a convenient approach to a straighter smile without the time commitment.

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