Dr. Heather Adams is a leading dentist who treats tooth decay and damage. She often uses dental crowns to treat a variety of dental concerns. This common restorative dentistry treatment is permanent and will look just like a natural tooth. Unlike older crowns, they will not lose their luster if properly maintained with your natural teeth. If you need a dental crown in Rogers, AR, Dr. Adams can custom design one for you to meet your cosmetic needs and restore the health and function of your tooth.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, sometimes called a dental cap, is a fixed prosthetic device that covers the surface of a decayed, damaged, or severely discolored tooth. The purpose of a dental cap is to restore the tooth’s appearance and strength while allowing the tooth to function again. Modern dental crowns reflect light perfectly for a natural appearance. They are made from highly durable and customizable dental ceramic.
Dental crowns are one of the most commonly used restorative dentistry treatments. They are custom-designed by a dentist to fit the smile of each individual candidate. Your dentist will design the crown to fit over the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline. This permanent restoration looks and functions just like a natural tooth. Dental crowns can actually be used to treat a wide range of dental concerns, both cosmetic and restorative in nature.
A highly durable and natural-looking restoration, the dental crown is commonly used to:
- Replace a missing tooth (with the support of a dental implant)
- Secure and protect a tooth after root canal therapy
- Repair a chipped or cracked tooth
- Cover a discolored tooth that does not respond well to teeth whitening
- Reshape a misshapen tooth
- Elongate the appearance of short teeth
Getting a Dental Crown in Rogers, AR
Dr. Adams uses digital imagining technology to create and place highly precise dental crowns. The modern dental crown is color-matched and shaped to accurately resemble your real tooth, and support a comfortable bite.
Your dental crown will be designed to meet your personal goals and address your dental concerns. Treatment will vary depending on your specific needs. During your evaluation, Dr. Adams will discuss what you should expect from the dental process so that you understand all phases of treatment. A typically dental crown treatment will require a couple visits to our dental office in Rogers, AR.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the preparation of the tooth and the placement of a dental crown. Each step of the process is painless. Dr. Adams will use local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to ensure your comfort. For patients that suffer from fear of the dentist, we do offer sedation dentistry. To learn more about which sedation method may work for you, see Sedation Dentistry.
The Dental Crown Process
The first step is to prepare the tooth for the placement of the dental crown. After the numbing the area around the tooth, your dentist will remove and clean the all the bacteria and dead tissue from the tooth. Your dentist will also need to reduce the tooth in size to create room for the dental crown.
Then, we will take dental impressions to use in fabricating your new restoration. Dr. Adams uses the latest digital imaging technology for your comfort. This means no messy dental impressions. After we have taken accurate measurements, you will receive a temporary crown. This temporary will be worn until the custom restoration is complete. It will protect your tooth and allow it to function in the mean time. However, it is important to remember that it is not as durable as a permanent dental crown.
Finally, we will schedule a final placement appointment once the new crown is ready for permanent placement. During your final visit, we will place and secure the dental crown that was made specifically for your smile. Once in place, it will be adjusted for comfort and permanently secured. We will test your bite to make sure it’s normal and feels natural to you.
If a dental crown is being used as part of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, Dr. Adams will coordinate the implant surgery and allow enough time for the soft tissues to heal before placing the crown to complete your smile.
Dental Crown FAQs
If you would like to learn more about dental crowns, please read through our frequently asked questions section. Here we list answers to common questions we get asked regarding dental crowns. If you still have questions or concerns, feel free to contact our office.
Is it painful to have a dental crown placed on your tooth?
Before Dr. Adams begins working on the tooth, you will be thoroughly numbed to help remain as comfortable as possible. However, at each step in the crown process, you may experience some pressure, discomfort, and sensitivity. After your permanent crown is placed, if you experience extreme pain or discomfort, there may be a problem and we strongly suggest you call our office to be seen as soon as possible.
How long will my new dental crown last?
On average, a dental crown will last between 10 and 30 years. The placement of the crown and how well it is cared for will ultimately determine its life span. Some crowns will show wear and tear or may even crack and need to be replaced. Some people may have their crown for a lifetime if it is placed accurately and is properly cared for.
How do I care for my dental crown?
To care for your dental crown, all you have to do is maintain proper oral hygiene habits. Crowns require the same type of care as your natural teeth. If you brush at least twice a day and floss around the tooth crown, especially at the gums, your crown will last many years.
Can I get a dental crown if I have a metal allergy?
Yes, you can still get a dental if you suffer from metal allergies. We can fabricate your tooth crown from a different material other than metal alloys which could potentially cause an allergic reaction. Your dentist will most likely create an all ceramic dental crown made from porcelain. Porcelain dental crowns look like natural teeth and do not contain any metal.
Is it safe for me to get a dental crown if I have a pacemaker?
It is generally safe for you to get a dental crown if you have a pacemaker. However, the most important thing to do is inform your dentist of your medical condition before undergoing any dental procedure. Even though pacemakers are designed to be safe around electromagnetic fields and low-frequency radiation, your dentist will still want to take any necessary caution to avoid any potential interference.
Can I use dental crowns to correct my misaligned teeth?
Dentists do not typically use dental crowns to straighten teeth without orthodontic treatment. Dental crowns are primarily used to restore the shape, function, appearance, and health of a damaged or decayed tooth. If you have misaligned teeth, traditional braces or Invisalign are the most common and effective methods for achieving the desired alignment.
What do I do if my crown feels loose?
If your crown feels loose, contact our dentist as soon as possible. Don’t try to fix it yourself. In the meantime, try to avoid eating hard or sticky foods that might make it worse. We will check the crown and see if we need to recement or replace the crown.
Will my dental crown match the color of my other teeth?
Yes, your dental crown can be made to match the color of your other teeth. When you get a crown, your dentist will choose a color that blends well with your natural teeth so it looks natural. We will use a color guide to ensure it matches as closely as possible.
If you have any concerns about the color, let us know. We can make adjustments to get the best match.
Request a Consultation Today
Dr. Heather Adams is an experienced restorative dentist who can place a dental crown in Rogers, AR, for a patient with severe tooth decay or damage. If you would like to learn more about the procedure or to see if you require a dental crown, schedule a consultation with Dr. Adams today. Contact our office at (479) 323-3011 or request an appointment using our online form.