What Is a Dental Crown?

Why Would You Need a Crown?

A tooth doesn’t have to be broken before it needs a crown. Sometimes a deep cavity has weakened it. Sometimes a crack has made the tooth fragile. After a root canal the tooth often needs extra protection because much of its inner structure has already been treated.

Crowns are also used to cover worn teeth or improve the appearance of a tooth that has changed shape.. Honestly the main job is protection. A crown should make a vulnerable tooth feel less vulnerable when you’re chewing.

What Happens Before the Crown Is Fitted?

Your dentist first checks the tooth. Takes an X-ray if needed. The damaged part is removed then the remaining tooth is shaped so the crown can fit over it properly. You may receive a crown while the permanent one is being made.

That temporary stage can feel slightly odd. Your bite may feel different for a days. Try not to test it by chewing something hard just because you’re curious.

Does Getting a Crown Hurt?

The tooth is numbed before the dentist prepares it so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or vibration while the tooth is being shaped. That’s uncomfortable for some people. It isn’t usually painful.

Afterward mild sensitivity can happen, particularly when you drink something. It often settles down. If you have pain or your bite feels noticeably too high after the crown is fitted tell your dentist rather than simply waiting it out.

How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?

• Good brushing still matters because the crown covers the tooth, not the gum around it.

• Flossing around the crown is worth the effort even if that little space feels awkward at first.

• Grinding your teeth at night can put pressure on a crown so mention it to your dentist if you wake up with sore jaws.

• A loose crown needs attention. Don’t keep chewing on it. Hope it somehow settles back into place.

Is a Dental Crown Right for You?

If a tooth is badly damaged but still worth saving a crown can be a practical solution. It restores the shape of the tooth. Gives the remaining structure much more protection.

A crown isn’t a shortcut for every problem though. Your dentist needs to check the condition of the tooth underneath before deciding whether a crown makes sense. Sometimes another treatment is needed first.

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