Dental Crowns in Owensboro, KY
Dental crowns are an important tool in dentistry, used for strengthening and protecting teeth that are no longer able to function on their own. If you have a tooth that has been weakened or damaged in some way, there’s a good chance you could benefit from installation of a dental crown.
A crown is an artificial outer surface that looks like a tooth and functions like a tooth. The crown fits over the tooth like a cap, and protects the sensitive inner core (the original tooth). If you have a tooth that has been damaged and is no longer strong enough to be used properly for chewing and eating, speak to your dentist in Owensboro, KY. At Travis Wilson DMD, we help patients who need dental crowns by evaluating their condition, recommending a crown if needed and performing installation.
Dental Crown Installation Procedure
Once we’ve determined whether a dental crown is the right solution for your tooth or affected teeth, we’ll bring you in to have the tooth prepared. Your tooth may need a root canal or treatment for the condition that has weakened it. We’ll also grind down the tooth to prepare the surface to be covered by the crown. Once the crown is in place, the old tooth will serve as a core for the outer crown, providing support and strength for the material on top.
Your crown will be made in a lab, and that can take a few weeks. Once the new crown has been made, we’ll bring you back into the office for the final fitting. During the installation, the new crown is permanently cemented into place. Then, you’re done! Your new tooth will look so natural that you won’t be able to tell it apart from your other teeth.
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns can be made of different materials. Your dentist will help you choose the material that’s right for you. Some crowns are made of metal, including gold, nickel, palladium or chromium. These crowns last a long, long time, and can be made from a very thin layer of metal, so very little of the outer enamel of the original tooth must be removed in order for this kind of crown to be installed. For many people, the major draw back of this kind of crown is the metal appearance. Some choose gold specifically because they like the way it looks.
Other types of crowns are made from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. These crowns look more like natural teeth, but are thicker and not always as durable. Porcelain has a way of wearing down other teeth that come into contact with the porcelain tooth, so it’s important that your dentist choose the right material for your tooth. The location of the tooth will have a big impact on what type material your dentist recommends.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last anywhere from five years to fifteen years, depending on the material the crown is made from, how well it’s maintained and how well it was installed. It’s important to get information from your dentist about how to maintain your dental crown – and to follow that advice.
Need Dental Crowns? Contact Your Dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY
A dental crown can help save your smile! To find out more about getting a dental crown installed in your tooth, contact Travis Wilson DMD for an appointment.
