Dental crowns are a highly versatile and essential component of restorative dentistry. They provide protection, restore functionality, and improve the aesthetics of damaged or decayed teeth. The procedure is easy, leaving patients with a durable and natural-looking restoration. Dr. John Enloe is an expert restorative dentist who can provide you with a dental crown in Flint, TX, to restore your smile and help maintain your oral health.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that Dr. Enloe places over teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. A dental cap will fully encase the visible part of any tooth above the gum line. You can choose from several different materials to create tooth crowns, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, gold alloy, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM).
There are various pros and cons to choosing each material. For instance, metal crowns are highly durable but less aesthetically pleasing due to their color. Dr. Enloe may suggest this type of crown on a molar that is not visible when smiling. On the other hand, a ceramic, porcelain, or PFM crown offers a more natural appearance. We will suggest one of those materials if Dr. Enloe places a cap on a front tooth or any teeth you can see when smiling.
Indications for Dental Crowns
There are many reasons why Dr. Enloe may suggest a dental crown, including:
- Protection: Crowns protect weak teeth from breaking or holding together parts of a cracked tooth.
- Restoration: They restore already broken or severely worn-down teeth.
- Support: Crowns cover and support teeth with large fillings when there isn’t much tooth left.
- Cosmetic Improvement: They cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
- Post-Root Canal: Dentists use crowns to cover teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.
- Dental Implants: They cover dental implants to replace a single missing tooth.
- Bridges: Crowns hold dental bridges in place.
The Vital Role Dental Crowns Play in Dentistry
Dental crowns play a crucial role in modern dentistry. The best thing for your oral health is to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible. A crown will extend a tooth’s life by providing a durable and protective cover. Adding a cap to a tooth instead of extracting it also restores function so you can chew and speak properly.
Crowns help prevent further dental issues by covering and protecting weak or damaged teeth. Tooth decay, chips, and breaks are common in unhealthy teeth and lead to more complex and costly treatments. Finally, a dental crown will also improve the appearance of teeth, contributing to a better smile and a boost in self-confidence.
The Dental Crown Procedure in Flint, TX
The dental crown procedure is easy but will require at least two or three visits to our dental office. A thorough exam and consultation will help determine if a crown is the proper treatment for you. Then, your dentist will prepare the tooth, take impressions, place a temporary crown, and place the final restoration when it is ready.
- Examination: Dr. Enloe will examine the tooth and inform you that you need a dental crown.
- Preparation: Dr. Enloe will prepare the tooth by removing a layer of its outer surface. This step ensure all that the dentist removes all signs of damage and decay and creates room for the crown will fit perfectly.
- Impression: We will take several impressions of the tooth. We use one of the impressions to create a temporary crown and send one to a dental lab, where they will custom-create your final crown to fit the tooth precisely.
- Temporary Crown: Dr. Enloe will place the temporary crown over the tooth. A temporary cap will protect a tooth while the dental lab makes the permanent crown. The lab should finish the dental crown in about two weeks.
- Removal of Temporary Crown: Once we have your permanent crown, Dr. Enloe will remove the temporary crown.
- Fitting and Adjustments: He will place the permanent crown on the tooth and make adjustments to ensure a proper fit.
- Cementation: Once he achieves a precise fit, Dr. Enloe will permanently cement the cap in place using dental cement or adhesive.
Schedule a Consultation for a Dental Crown in Flint, TX
Do you need a dental crown in Flint, TX? Creekside Dental offers custom caps made from various materials to meet all of our patients unique needs. Call us today at 903-225-8031 to schedule a dentist appointment where Dr. Enloe will examine your tooth and choose the best dental treatment to restore your oral health. You can also fill out a form online to request an appointment.