Crowns

What are crowns?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering made of porcelain or ceramic. If you have a tooth that’s decaying, discolored, or damaged, your provider at Lotus Dental can bond a crown on top, restoring its shape, size, and appearance.

What issues can dental crowns correct?

Dr. Anne and the team at Lotus Dental use dental crowns to:

• Protect weak teeth from damage
• Hold dental bridges in place
• Attach to dental implants
• Restore broken or worn-down teeth
• Cover stained or discolored teeth

You might also benefit from a crown if you need root canal therapy. Root canal therapy removes the pulp from the center of your tooth, preventing the need for an extraction.

What does getting dental crowns involve?

At Lotus Dental, getting dental crowns takes two appointments.

First dental crown visit

At the first appointment, Dr. Anne conducts an oral exam and takes X-rays to assess the condition of your tooth. If she determines your tooth can benefit from a crown, she administers a local anesthetic and removes a thin layer of enamel from the top and sides of your tooth.

Next, Dr. Anne takes impressions of your tooth and sends them to a laboratory. Techs at the laboratory use your impressions as a guide and create a custom crown that fits perfectly.

Second dental crown visit

Several weeks later, when the lab completes your custom crown, you return to Lotus Dental. Dr. Anne numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic, lines up your permanent crown with your tooth, and bonds it in place. Before leaving, she polishes your tooth and provides care instructions.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns typically last 5-15* years, but it’s possible to extend their lifespan by avoiding general wear-and-tear. The Lotus Dental team recommends avoiding certain habits, including:

• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Chewing on ice cubes or pen caps
• Biting your fingernails
• Using your teeth to open packaging

Don’t forget to practice good oral hygiene. The Lotus Dental team recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing before going to bed, and visiting the office every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

To see if you’re a candidate for dental crowns, call Lotus Dental or request an appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary.