Dental Crowns Near You in Jackson, MI
Most patients associate dental crowns in Jackson, MI, with teeth that are significantly decayed, broken, or worn down such that they need to be fully covered by a crown for protection. Crowns do serve as a protective dental technique for vulnerable teeth. However, crowns also serve many other functions in dentistry, including aspects of cosmetic procedures. If you have one or more teeth in need of a dental crown, our team at Summit Pointe Dental is here to help!
Are Crowns Part of Cosmetic Dentistry?
Crowns are an important part of cosmetic dentistry. For example, dental crowns can strengthen a weak tooth in addition to altering its shape, size, and appearance. This versatility of crowns is effective in cosmetic dental procedures for restoring a look of oral health to patients with teeth that are damaged, broken, or severely discolored.
A dental crown is designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. Therefore, dental crowns can improve a patient’s appearance by restoring a look of oral health to their teeth. In turn, this will enhance how a patient feels about their smile and the aesthetics of their mouth.
How Do I Care for My Dental Crown?
The most effective way to care for your dental crown is to care for your overall oral health. This includes a daily commitment to oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing. It’s also essential that patients visit our dentist in Jackson every six months, as recommended, for dental examinations and professional teeth cleanings. These in-office appointments will allow Dr. Mark McFerran to assess your dental health, including the condition of your dental crowns, and recommend any necessary treatment.
Finally, your oral health and the condition of your dental crown are impacted by the food and drinks you consume. Patients should avoid sugar in their diet as much as possible and refrain from chewing or biting harsh substances such as ice cubes and certain raw vegetables.
To learn more about the versatility of dental crowns near you, contact Dr. Mark McFerran at Summit Pointe Dental. Our dentist is committed to your oral health and well-being.
FAQs
Dental crowns typically last 10-15 years, but they can last longer with proper care. Their lifespan depends on oral hygiene, diet, and habits like teeth grinding. Regular dental check-ups help monitor crown condition, allowing for early intervention if any issues arise.
Dental crowns are made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal alloys, and porcelain fused to metal. Each material offers different benefits like durability, aesthetics, or cost-effectiveness, and the best choice depends on the tooth's location and the patient's needs.
Dental crowns are designed in a way to look just like natural teeth. They are custom-made to rightly match the color, size, and shape of your surrounding teeth, hence creating a seamless appearance. Crowns can be crafted from tooth-colored materials like porcelain or ceramic to blend naturally with your smile.
Caring for dental crowns is like caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Avoid biting hard objects and foods that could damage the crown. Regular dental check-ups help maintain crown health and address any potential issues early.
Recovery from crown placement is usually quick. Some patients experience mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days, but it typically subsides. Avoiding hard foods initially and following your dentist's care instructions ensures smooth healing and helps your new crown settle comfortably.
To care for a new dental crown:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing minimum twice a day and flossing daily.
- Avoid eating very sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the crown.
- Visit your dentist regularly to make sure the crown remains in good condition and fits properly.
Yes, dental caps and crowns are the same. "Cap" is a more informal term for a dental crown, which is a protective cover placed upon a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance while preserving tooth functionality.
Dental crowns protect weakened teeth, restore broken or decayed teeth, and improve appearance. They provide strength and durability, support large fillings, and secure dental bridges. Crowns help maintain proper bite alignment and protect teeth after root canal treatments, enhancing overall dental health.
Restoring a dental crown involves replacing a damaged, worn, or dislodged crown with a new one. The dentist removes the old crown, cleans the area, checks for decay or damage, and then takes an impression to craft a new custom crown for a secure and comfortable fit.
Dental crowns work by covering a damaged or decayed tooth, protecting it from further harm, and restoring its shape, size, and function. They fit snugly over the tooth and are cemented in place, allowing the patient to chew and speak normally without discomfort or risk.
You may need a crown instead of a filling if the tooth has significant decay or damage that a filling can't support. Crowns provide more coverage and strength, protecting the remaining tooth structure. Your dentist will evaluate and assess the extent of damage to recommend the best option.
If a tooth is too decayed for a crown, it might need a root canal treatment or extraction. Severe decay can weaken the tooth structure, making it unstable. Your dentist will assess the tooth and suggest alternative treatments like a dental implant or bridge for replacement.
Dental crowns cannot be whitened once placed. They are color-matched to your natural teeth during fabrication. If you're considering whitening, it's best to do it before getting a crown. Your dentist ensures the crown matches your desired tooth shade for a natural look.
Yes, some sensitivity is normal after getting a dental crown, especially to hot or cold temperatures. This usually subsides within a few days to a few weeks. If sensitivity persists or becomes severe, contact your dentist, as it could signify an underlying issue needing attention.
Signs that a dental crown needs replacement include discomfort, visible cracks, looseness, and wear or decay around the edges. If the crown feels uneven or causes sensitivity, see your dentist. Regular check-ups help detect problems quickly and ensure the crown stays effective.
A properly fitted dental crown should not affect your bite or speech. Initially, you may feel slight differences, but these should quickly resolve. If you notice ongoing discomfort or difficulty speaking, your dentist may need to adjust the crown to improve the fit.
After getting a new dental crown, avoid chewing on it for at least 24 hours to allow the cement to fully set. Stick to soft foods and avoid too sticky or hard items. Your dentist will provide certain specific instructions on when it's safe to continue with normal eating habits.
Minor cracks or chips in a dental crown can sometimes be repaired with bonding materials. However, larger cracks or significant damage may require a full replacement to ensure the tooth is properly protected and functional. Your dentist will carefully assess the damage and recommend the best solution.
Recovery time after getting a dental crown is typically short. Most patients feel normal within a day or two, though some sensitivity may persist for a few weeks. Following your dentist's advice, like avoiding hard foods initially, helps ensure a quick and comfortable recovery.
Not all crowns require a root canal. A root canal is needed only if the tooth's pulp is damaged or infected. If the tooth is structurally sound and the nerves are healthy, a crown can be placed without a root canal. Your dentist will evaluate and advise accordingly.
Yes, it's best to avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that may damage or dislodge a dental crown. Hard candies, ice, and caramel can be problematic. Eating softer foods and maintaining good oral hygiene can help extend the life of your crown.
Yes, but if you grind your teeth (bruxism), your dentist may recommend a stronger crown material like zirconia. Additionally, wearing a night guard can protect your crown and natural teeth from damage caused by grinding, helping to extend their lifespan and maintain oral health.
You should have your dental crown checked during your regular dental visits, usually every six months. Regular check-ups let your dentist assess the crown's condition, check for any issues, and ensure it remains properly fitted and functional, preventing potential problems.
Yes, a dental crown can be removed without damaging the underlying tooth. Dentists use special tools and techniques to carefully break the cement seal and take off the crown. However, this procedure must be done carefully to protect the tooth and ensure minimal discomfort.
Choosing a crown material depends on factors like tooth location, appearance, and budget. Porcelain offers a natural look, ideal for front teeth. Zirconia provides strength, and aesthetics is great for visible areas. Metal crowns are extremely durable and suitable for back molars where strength is vital.
Dental crowns themselves don't cause bad breath or gum problems, but poor hygiene around the crown can lead to plaque buildup, gum irritation, or decay. Proper brushing, flossing, and periodic dental visits help prevent these issues and keep your crown and surrounding gums healthy.
Yes, crowns for front teeth are often made from porcelain or ceramic to match natural teeth for a seamless look. Back teeth crowns, needing more strength, may be prepared from metal or porcelain fused to metal. Your dentist will suggest the best type based on location and function.
If a temporary crown falls out, keep the crown safe, clean the area, and avoid chewing on that side. Contact your dentist immediately for advice. They may recommend a temporary adhesive to hold it in place until you can visit the office for proper re-cementation.
Yes, you can replace a metal crown with a tooth-colored one for a more natural look. The dentist will carefully remove the old crown and take impressions for a new porcelain or zirconia crown that matches your natural teeth. This improves aesthetics without sacrificing functionality.