Dental Crowns
A dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps permanently cemented over a tooth in order to restore the tooth’s strength, shape and size, and improve its appearance. Dental crowns will cover the visible portion of the tooth above and right at the gum line, once it is cemented into place.
Dental crowns are used to hold weak, broken or cracked teeth together to avoid further fracturing. Crowns are also used to support large fillings, attach a bridge, or cover discolored or deformed teeth. Crowns may also be placed over dental implants.
The dentist usually requires two dental visits to install a crown. First, the dentist needs to prepare the tooth or implant for the crown. The dentist will grind and shape the tooth so that the crown can be fitted over it. Then, the dentist makes an impression of tooth and surrounding gums, which is then sent to a dental laboratory so that the crown can be created. The dentist fits a temporary crown over the tooth, until the permanent crown is ready. During the second visit, dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the finished permanent crown onto the tooth.
Dental crowns generally last about five to eight years, and with good oral hygiene most crowns last longer. Certain habits such as fingernail biting, chewing ice, and grinding teeth can do damage to the crown, and should be avoided.
To find out if dental crowns are a good option for you, give us a call and schedule a dental consultation.
Dental hygiene is the process of regularly brushing and flossing your teeth at home at least twice a day. Flossing removes any food particles or plaque from between your teeth or under your gums. Brushing your teeth the right way with fluoride toothpaste helps harden the enamel, prevent cavities and remove bacteria.
Dental Hygiene | Dental Home Care
No treatment will be effective unless you follow it up with routine and proper home care. This means you should brush and floss regularly after every meal and at a minimum twice a day. The key is not only to do it regularly but also to do it right. Here’s how:
Flossing
To properly floss you should wind the floss around both of your index fingers and push it between each of your teeth in your mouth. Make sure to freely move the floss upwards, downwards and even sideways to remove any food particles or plaque that may be lodged between your teeth or under the gums.
Brushing
Many people these days use an electric toothbrush such as a Sonicare. Whether you use an electric or still prefer a manual brush you should hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. Gently but thoroughly rotate the bristles across your teeth and under your gums with a backward and forward motion. Be sure to also get the top surfaces of your teeth where you bite or chew on food. Your tongue can also be cleaned with your toothbrush, which will help reduce bad breath. Lastly it is important to brush the inside surfaces of your teeth with the same rotating motion.
When brushing, it is important to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps harden the outer layer of the tooth, called enamel, which will prevent cavities and also reduce bacteria in the mouth. It can also reverse the formation of smaller cavities.
Lastly, antibacterial rinses can also help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Please contact your dentist or dental hygienist if you have any additional questions. More information about general dentistry…
