Protecting Vulnerable Teeth with Dental Crowns

Discover why dental crowns are needed, the types available and the fitting process from Dr. Eastwood at Summerbrook Dental serving Fort Worth patients.

what are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are caps placed over your natural teeth to cover all of the tooth’s surfaces. Crowns are used to cover damaged teeth and to protect vulnerable teeth. Common reasons a patient would need dental crowns are for chipped or cracked teeth, to protect a tooth after a root canal, to cover up severe discoloration, or as an alternative to fillings for molars that removed a large portion of the tooth’s structure. If you need a dental crown, contact us at Summerbrook Dental today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Calvin Eastwood.

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Did you know…

your natural tooth will be shaved down before fitting a crown on top.

Ready to schedule your appointment?

Call (817) 382-7445 to schedule

How the Dental Crowns Process works

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consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Calvin Eastwood will perform an oral exam and take x-rays of the affected tooth to check that there are no other oral health problems. Dr. Eastwood may take a mold of your mouth at this point.
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Preparation of the tooth

For the crown to fit snugly onto the tooth and to blend in with the rest of the teeth, a small amount of the tooth’s enamel will need to be filed down. You will be given a local anesthetic so you do not feel any pain.
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impressions

Impressions of your teeth will then be taken and used as a model to create the dental crown. These impressions are sent to an outside dental lab that will match the crown to your natural tooth shade, shape, and size. It will take a few weeks for your crown to be ready and you will be given a temporary crown while you wait.
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crown fitting

Once the dental lab has sent the official dental crown to our office, we will call you back for another appointment to check the fit of the crown and cement it into place.

MORE ABOUT DENTAL CROWNS

  • How long do dental crowns last?

    How long your dental crown lasts depends on the material it is made of, the location of the crown, your oral hygiene, and how well you take care of the crown through behavior and lifestyle. Dental crowns generally last between 5-15 years. Popular materials for dental crowns include porcelain, composite resin, ceramic, zirconia, metal, or some combination of these materials. Zirconia crowns tend to have the longest lifespan, lasting between 10-15 years. Crowns placed on the molars are more likely to become worn down sooner than the canines or incisors because they are used for chewing.

  • HOW TO CARE FOR DENTAL CROWNS

    The most important aftercare for dental crowns is to maintain good oral hygiene. Just because a crown is covering your tooth doesn’t mean it is immune from decay and gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and floss.
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    Be careful when using a tooth that is fitted with a dental crown. It can be damaged from chewing on hard foods, if you grind your teeth, or if you use your teeth as tools. If you suffer from bruxism, you will need to wear a mouthguard at night so you don’t break your crown.
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    Dental crowns, especially those made of materials like porcelain, can also become stained over time. Limit your consumption of staining foods and drinks, such as wine, coffee, and tobacco products.

  • BENEFITS OF DENTAL CROWNS

    Dental crowns protect vulnerable teeth from becoming damaged and assist with mastication. Severely discolored or damaged teeth can cause cosmetic issues with the appearance of the teeth which can be fixed by covering the tooth with a crown.
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    When a tooth has undergone root canal treatment, a dental crown is often placed to protect the tooth from reinfection and for additional strength. Crowns address both the cosmetic and restorative problems associated with damaged teeth.
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    They are also incredibly durable and can last for up to 15 years before being replaced. They can even act as a tooth replacement when attached to dental implants to fully restore the function of the tooth.

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Did you know…

The most durable crowns are made of all metal materials.

Interested in pediatric dental services?

Call (817) 382-7445 to schedule