A dental crown, also known as a ‘cap’, is a prosthetic covering that protects a damaged or decayed tooth. It covers your entire tooth, which is filed down to make room for the crown. A dental crown is attached with dental cement, and we can match it to your existing teeth, so that it blends in with your natural smile. With good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to our office, your crown should last for many years, even decades, but the longevity of your crown is directly related to how well you treat your teeth and gums.
Caring for a Dental Crown
A dental crown can become loosened, fall out, or break if not treated properly. In addition, a crown tends to attract more plaque around your gum line than a natural tooth, so it’s important to give the gum tissue surrounding your crown a little extra attention when brushing your teeth. If your gums become diseased and recede, this can affect how snugly your crown fits and can create a gap where bacteria can easily grow. A gap can also cause the dental cement to wash away, loosening the crown. Tooth grinding can be very damaging to crowns, so consider wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night. Hard foods and candy can also damage a crown, so avoid chewing on ice or other objects, opening packaging with your teeth, and biting your nails.
Benefits of a Dental Crown
In addition to a dental crown being custom-fit to match your natural teeth, this type of dental prosthetic offers other advantages.
There are many ways a dental crown can improve your oral health. If you think you may be a candidate for this dental restoration, contact Holman Family Dentistry for more information.
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