Dental Crown
Dentist Salem, OR
 What is a crown?
A crown is a replacement of the outer surface of a tooth to protect a weakened or at-risk area. They are routinely done to prevent the loss of a tooth from fractures. They fit over the prepared surface of the weakened tooth like a lid on a box.
Why is a crown needed?
Crowns on teeth may be needed for a number of reasons. Fractures in teeth are one of the most common causes of needing a crown. Like the cracks in a windshield, fractures in teeth will continue to spread down the tooth until they reach the root and can split the tooth in half if left unattended.
Crown preparations are done to remove fracture lines and prevent further spread while strengthening and protecting the other surfaces of that tooth. Teeth with large cavities or large fillings that are in need of replacement may also require a crown to protect those teeth from future issues. Teeth that have had root canals are also very prone to fractures due to very thin remaining tooth walls and always require crowns to protect them.
Crown Types
Dental crowns can be frabricated in either gold or tooth-colored material depending on your preference. Tooth-colored crowns are matched to your individual tooth shade to ensure they blend in well. At our Shull Family Dentistry, Crowns on back teeth are made from zirconia. Zirconia is an extremely strong material that will resist fracture while still allowing you to have a crown that matches your mouth well. On front teeth needing crowns, we use a porcelain material that is not quite as strong as zirconia but has a greater ability to match the fine details needed to blend in with your front teeth.
Taking care of the crown
In order to ensure that your crown lasts, it is important to care for a crown as you would your natural teeth. You should not skip brushing/flossing as you would your normal teeth. Just because you have a crown, does not mean decay cannot set it underneath it. It is important to continue to maintain good oral hygiene habits.
Questions?
As always, if you have any questions about the process of getting a crown, or are in need of one, the staff at Shull Family Dentistry is available to answer all your concerns. Give us a call at 503-362-5019.
FAQs
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth. At Shull Family Dentistry, our dental team may recommend a crown to restore tooth strength, improve appearance, and help preserve natural tooth structure after decay, fracture, or a large filling.
When might I need a dental crown?
You may need a dental crown if a tooth is cracked, worn down, severely decayed, weakened by a large filling, or restored after root canal treatment. Our dentists will examine the tooth and recommend a crown when it can help protect the tooth and restore comfortable function.
What happens during the dental crown process?
The dental crown process usually begins with preparing the tooth and taking impressions or digital scans. A custom crown is then made to fit your bite and smile. Once ready, our dental team will place the crown, check the fit, and make any needed adjustments for comfort.
Can a dental crown improve the appearance of my smile?
Yes. A dental crown can improve the shape, color, size, and overall appearance of a tooth while also restoring function. Crowns are often designed to blend with surrounding teeth for a natural-looking result.
How do I care for a dental crown?
You can care for a dental crown by brushing and flossing daily, cleaning carefully around the gumline, and visiting Shull Family Dentistry for routine dental exams. Avoiding habits such as chewing ice or using teeth as tools can also help protect your crown and natural teeth. |
