Front Tooth Crowns: A Patient Guide
Why Would You Need A Front Tooth Crown?
A dentist can advise you to get a crown for a number of reasons.
If the tooth has sustained significant damage and is unlikely to be successfully restored with a filling, the dentist may suggest a crown. Crowns can also be used to restore broken teeth or replace old fillings. Some people get crowns following a root canal to help protect and strengthen the treated tooth.
Personally, I think the best crowns are those that you forget about after a week. If you constantly find yourself studying your new crown in the mirror, something is probably wrong.
What Happens Before The Crown?
The dentist will examine your tooth and surrounding gums before deciding that a crown is necessary. X-rays may also be taken if the tooth has previously been treated.
If the dentist finds any signs of infection or if there is not enough sound tooth material to support a crown, these problems must be addressed before any crown work can begin.
Once it has been determined that you need a crown, the dentist will shave down some of the tooth material in order to make room for the crown. Impressions or scans of your teeth may be made. You may also be given a temporary crown to wear while your permanent crown is being made.
What To Know About Choosing A Crown
Ask your dentist lots of questions before choosing a crown. Front teeth are prominent and smile-inducing, so the crown should ideally be indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are popular options for restoring front teeth since they bond well with natural teeth and can be custom shaped and shaded to match surrounding teeth.
The dentist will advise you on the type of material you should use based on your bite and the condition of the tooth being crowned.
What It Feels Like After Getting A Crown
It is normal to feel some discomfort following a crown procedure. A crowned tooth can also be more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks, although this usually goes away after some time. Another common side effect is having a slightly off bite, although this can also be fixed.
Call your dentist about any discomfort you feel following the procedure instead of trying to ignore it. If your bite feels off, talk to your dentist about having it adjusted.
Caring For Your Crown
Although your tooth will have a new chicer look, it is still important to take care of your crown as you would your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing are still essential for keeping your crown in good condition.
If your crown needs a more thorough cleaning due to the way it was placed, the dentist might show you how to clean it if it meets the gum.
• Avoid biting down on particularly hard foods as a crowned tooth might not tolerate the force.
• If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, you may want to talk to your dentist about getting a night guard.
• Finally, keep your routine dental appointments in order to keep your crowned tooth as well as the rest of your mouth healthy.
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The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face-to-face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.