Dental Crowns – Longmont
Build Up & Protect Damaged Teeth
Do you have a tooth that is decayed, broken, or otherwise structurally compromised? The tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the entire body, but it is still vulnerable to damage if you aren’t careful. The good news is that at Coats Dental Group of Longmont, we offer dental crowns to build up and protect damaged teeth. To learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, give us a call.
Why Choose Coats Dental Group of Longmont for Dental Crowns?
- Durable & Long-Lasting
- Customized for Natural Appearance
- We Welcome Dental Insurance
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a customized “cap” that is placed over the chewing surface of teeth that need additional support. Crowns are personalized to cover the remaining structure of the teeth, helping to preserve them while replenishing their natural shape and strength. There are several reasons why someone may need a dental crown. Here are some common causes.
- Severe tooth decay that can’t be treated by a filling alone
- Physical injury to a tooth
- Weakened tooth structure that needs support
- Significant cosmetic imperfections
- Restoring a lost tooth that is being replaced with a dental implant
- Protecting a tooth that has been treated with a root canal
The Dental Crown Process
Dental crowns are placed over two separate appointments. During the first visit, we will start by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. Then, we will remove damaged or decayed portions of the tooth structure. We will also remove a small amount of enamel from the circumference of the tooth to allow for the crown to fit perfectly. After the tooth has been prepared, impressions are taken and sent to the dental lab where your new crown will be made. We make out dental crowns from various materials, including Emax, zirconia, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and gold. A temporary dental crown is placed to keep your tooth safe until your final restoration is complete. In just a couple of weeks, you will return to our practice to have your new dental crown secured in place.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer a wide range of benefits, including the following.
- Comfortable
- Natural appearance
- Customized
- Protects the underling tooth
- Lasts 15+ years
- Improves chewing ability
- Increases confidence
Dental Crowns FAQs
What Are Dental Crowns Made of?
No every tooth or even every patient is the same, so it makes sense that our team here would explore multiple options for crowns. For example, back teeth tend to do more chewing and require more durability, which means a ceramic crown fused to metal may offer the strength needed. On the other hand, you may want a tooth located front and center to have a more natural look, necessitating an all-ceramic restoration. Our other common materials include Emax, zirconia, and gold, all of which come with unique advantages and disadvantages.
Can I Get Cavities with a Dental Crown?
Regardless of the material your crown contains, the crown itself is impenetrable to decay; however, the natural tooth underneath the crown still is. Unfortunately, bacteria and plaque can infect the tooth and, without treatment, lead to the loss of the tooth entirely. To avoid this outcome, you need to take care of your teeth and restorations through daily brushing and flossing. Coming to your dentist in Longmont here every six months for checkups and regular cleanings can make your crown and tooth last much longer because we can prevent future decay while resolving any little issues that arise.
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
Unlike what is often depicted in TV shows or movies, this type of dental work shouldn’t hurt while you’re in the chair. Everyone receives a local anesthetic to numb the nearby nerves, but if you need extra assistance to relax, we can offer sedatives that can take the edge off, calm your gag reflex, and make it easier to sit through your whole appointment. Once the anesthetic comes out of your system, your mouth may feel slightly sore or sensitive, especially with your generic, temporary crown. However, once we attach your custom crown, your smile should feel natural and comfortable!
Why Do I Need to Wear a Temporary Crown?
As you probably know about other products, one size does not always fit all, and it’s true when it comes to your teeth. After your impressions have been taken for the dental lab, your treated tooth must be protected until the new crown has been crafted. The temporary cover keeps bacteria from attacking the vulnerable tooth; plus, without this outer layer of enamel or prosthetic, your tooth won’t be able to function fully and could trigger dental pain from anything touching it. We’ll let you know when your crown is ready and get it placed as soon as we can, making your smile complete again.