What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth, from the gumline up. It protects what’s left of the natural tooth structure while restoring the tooth’s shape, size, and ability to function normally. Once placed, it looks and works like a regular tooth.
Crowns are made from various materials depending on the tooth’s location and the patient’s preferences. Tooth-colored options like porcelain and ceramic are popular for their natural appearance, while other materials offer additional durability in areas that take more chewing force.
When Are Dental Crowns in Salt Lake City Recommended?
A crown is necessary when a tooth is too damaged or weakened to stand on its own, but still has enough healthy root structure to be worth saving. Common situations where we recommend a crown include:
- A tooth with a crack or fracture that extends into the structure
- Significant decay that a filling alone can’t adequately address
- A tooth that has broken or chipped substantially
- A tooth following root canal treatment, which needs protection from future fracture
- A worn tooth from years of grinding or clenching
- An older crown that has failed or no longer fits properly
- A dental implant that needs a crown placed on top to complete the restoration
If you’re not sure whether a crown is what you actually need, we’ll walk you through the findings from your exam and explain why we’re recommending it. Nothing moves forward without your understanding and agreement.
What the Crown Process Looks Like
Getting a dental crown typically involves two appointments, though the specifics can vary depending on your situation.
First Visit
We begin with a thorough exam and imaging to assess the tooth and the surrounding area. From there, we prepare the tooth by reshaping it slightly to make room for the crown. A digital scan is taken to capture precise measurements used to fabricate your custom restoration. In many cases, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made.
Second Visit
When the permanent crown is ready, we remove the temporary and check the fit, bite, and appearance of the new restoration before cementing it into place. We make any adjustments needed for comfort before you leave.
In some cases, same-day crown fabrication may be available, reducing the need for a temporary and a second appointment. We’ll let you know at your consultation whether that’s an option for your specific situation.
Dental Crowns and Bridges: Replacing Missing Teeth
Crowns aren’t only used to restore existing teeth. They’re also a key part of dental bridges, which replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth between two crowns placed on the neighboring teeth. This can be a good option for patients who aren’t candidates for implants or who prefer a fixed, non-removable solution without the surgical component.
Implant-supported bridges use implants rather than neighboring teeth as anchors, preserving the surrounding tooth structure and providing a more stable base. During your consultation, we can compare both approaches and help you determine which option best fits your situation.
How to Care for Your Crown
Crowns are durable, but they still require consistent care to last as long as possible. The basics are straightforward:
- Gently brush around the crown twice a day.
- Floss daily, focusing on where the crown meets the gumline.
- Avoid chewing ice or other very hard objects, as they can crack porcelain.
- Keep up with regular exams so we can monitor the fit and condition of the restoration over time.
With good home care and routine visits, a well-placed crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer. If something ever feels off, like looseness, sensitivity, or an uneven bite, contact us sooner rather than later.
Sedation for Crown Appointments
Crown preparation is generally comfortable with local anesthesia, but patients who feel anxious about dental procedures or who are having multiple things done in one visit can benefit from sedation. We offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. We’ll go over what’s appropriate for your appointment before treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my crown look natural?
Yes. We match the color and shape of the crown to your surrounding teeth so the restoration blends in naturally.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed before preparation. Some sensitivity in the days following is normal and typically resolves on its own.
Can a crown fall off?
It’s uncommon, but it can happen. If your crown feels loose or comes off, call us right away and keep the crown safe so we can assess whether it can be recemented.
Don’t Put Off a Tooth That Needs Attention
Teeth that are cracked, weakened, or heavily decayed tend to get worse with time, not better. If you’ve been told you need a crown or have a tooth that’s been bothering you, call Highland Dental Center or book online to get it looked at. The sooner we assess it, the more options we typically have available.