Living with a damaged tooth can be challenging. Along with affecting the way your smile looks, a damaged tooth can make everyday activities difficult and uncomfortable, such as speaking, eating, and practicing good oral hygiene. Carraway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help restore your smile’s beauty and function with a porcelain dental crown in Greer, SC if you suffer from a broken, misshapen, or missing tooth. Dental crowns are dental restorations used to cover and protect teeth. Dr. Adam Carraway provides dental crowns to patients in Greer, SC.
Patients with discolored, weakened, worn, chipped, cracked, and otherwise damaged teeth can benefit from crowns. Known for their strength, durability, and natural appearance, porcelain crowns are a convenient, affordable option to achieve a healthier, more radiant smile in as little as two visits to the dentist. Here’s what you should know about porcelain crowns before scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Carraway.
Dental Crown in Greer, SC
We’ll talk to you about your options and goals so that we can make sure crowns are the best choice for you. In most cases, dental crown procedures take place in two separate appointments. During your first appointment, the dentist will:
- Take X-rays of your mouth and surrounding bone.
- Reshape the damaged tooth.
- Take an impression of your tooth and send it to a lab to create your custom, permanent crown.
- Place a temporary crown while the permanent crown is made; this usually takes two to three weeks.
When your permanent crown is complete, you will return to the dental office for your second appointment. During this appointment, the dentist will:
- Remove the temporary crown.
- Make sure the permanent crown matches your natural tooth shape, size, and color.
- Cement the new crown in place.
A dental crown in Greer, SC should be a virtually painless process. At Carraway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, your comfort and safety are always our top priority. You should be completely numbed with local anesthetic during the dental crown procedure. If you experience discomfort at any time, please let the dentist know so that we can ensure you stay as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
The Versatility of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are one of the most versatile tools a dentist has at their disposal. They aren’t only good for many restorative issues but can also address cosmetic problems. Discolored teeth are a problem many people face. Sometimes, traditional whitening methods will not treat the discoloration. You can’t bleach teeth that are dead due to trauma or teeth that have stains due to medication. A dental crown can fully cover these teeth, and we can match their color to the shade you desire.
A misshapen or disfigured tooth is not only a cosmetic problem; it can also impact your mouth’s functionality. It may be hard to chew food or change the way you speak. The crown covers a tooth, and you get back the full functionality of the tooth. This is also the case if you have a tooth that’s been severely damaged or decayed. The crown holds your tooth together and replaces any broken parts.
One of the most common uses for a crown is to stabilize a tooth. When we perform a root canal procedure, we remove the tooth pulp and replace it with another material. We seal the tooth, but a dental crown ensures functionality and further protects the tooth from decay. Crowns also stabilize a tooth that serves as an anchor for a dental bridge. Teeth can wear down without fortification and are more susceptible to decay and infection.
Lastly, crowns are the most common choice to complete a dental implant restoration. A custom dental crown makes the restoration feel and look the most like a natural tooth.
Dental Crown in Greer, SC FAQs
Want to know more about dental crowns? Read answers to frequently asked questions about tooth crown treatment below:
What is a porcelain crown?
A dental crown restores the appearance and function of a severely damaged tooth. Dental crowns work by placing a thin covering, or “cap,” over the surface of the person’s remaining tooth. Dental crowns are fabricated from a number of different materials, including metal, porcelain, or a combination. Dentists and patients prefer porcelain crowns for their natural appearance and ability to seamlessly blend with the other teeth in a person’s mouth, especially if they are located in the front of a person’s mouth.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for dental crowns?
Patients with a wide range of oral health problems can receive dental crowns. Even if you have a tooth infection or missing teeth, you can qualify for dental crown treatment. Dr. Carraway always ensures that the teeth and gums are healthy for treatment. He can address a dental infection or replace missing teeth with implants and then cap them off with tooth crowns. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Carraway; he can help you determine whether crowns are right for you.
Do dental crowns damage natural teeth?
No, if you are receiving a crown to cover a natural tooth, it will not damage it. Your dentist will only need to shave off a small part of the natural tooth to ensure that the crown fits properly. Dental crowns need enough enamel to function properly, which means we do not need to wear down the enamel for a crown. Besides, your dentist can use tooth crowns to address teeth that already show damage.
How should I care for my porcelain crowns?
Porcelain crowns are quite strong and durable, but they may not be as strong as your natural teeth. Because of this, it’s important to properly care for them to ensure they stay in good condition for years to come. Caring for your porcelain crown should be as simple as caring for your natural teeth. Here are some practical steps to keep your porcelain crown looking beautiful and functioning well:
- Brush and floss your teeth diligently two times a day.
- Avoiding biting down or chewing hard items, such as ice.
- Visit Carraway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry every six months for routine dental exams and professional cleanings.
How long do porcelain crowns last?
The lifespan of your porcelain crown will depend on its location in your mouth as well as how you care for it. By practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist twice a year, you can expect your porcelain crown to stay in good condition between 5 and 15 years.
What happens if I don’t get a dental crown?
Oral health problems will not resolve themselves on their own. On the contrary, most dental issues will only get worse, cause more pain, and cost more money to fix if left untreated for an extended period of time. An untreated damaged tooth causes discomfort and inconvenience. Tooth damage could lead to serious health concerns in the long run. This could have a negative impact on other parts of their body or lead to tooth loss. For these reasons, treating and protecting damaged teeth with dental crowns is best before they lead to more complicated issues.
Receive Dental Crowns in Greer Today
Do you want to protect and cover your teeth with dental crowns? Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Carraway on our website. Contact Carraway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 864.268.7812.