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Dental Crowns: What is a Dental Crown? What Material Are They Made Of?
Crowns are custom caps used mainly to repair damaged or vulnerable teeth to preserve their usefulness. Chipped, cracked, and broken teeth can make eating uncomfortable due to pain when you chew. Crowning these teeth renews their structure to make them fully functional again. You can obtain crown treatment at Westmoreland Family Dentistry in Augusta, Georgia.
Below are some questions about crowns. The answers to these questions provide greater insight into dental crowns, dental crown materials, the crown process, and why crowns are needed:
When are crowns needed?
A crown may be needed to repair a damaged tooth after an accident or protect a fragile tooth from crumbling. If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may need dental crowns to anchor a dental bridge or function as replacement teeth for dental implants. Crowns help strengthen root-canal teeth and teeth with large fillings. They’re also used to cover misshapen or odd-sized teeth to make your smile look better.
What are the different types of crowns?
Dental crowns are made of different materials, the most common being ceramic, porcelain, and porcelain fused to metal. Ceramic and porcelain crowns look just like real teeth and blend in seamlessly with your smile. Metal crowns, like gold, nickel-chromium, and stainless steel, tend to stand out, making them less attractive aesthetically. They’re quite effective at repairing damaged back teeth, however, by restoring their ability to chew and grind food.
What’s the procedure for getting a crown?
The crown process generally takes two dental visits. Dr. Westmoreland will examine your tooth on your first visit, assess the damage, and confirm that a crown is needed. Then we’ll prepare your tooth for this treatment. This may entail removing decay, filing down rough edges, or reshaping its structure. Afterward, a mold digital scan is made of your teeth and sent to a lab to have a crown custom-made for you. Meanwhile, we’ll protect your tooth with a temporary crown. The final step is cementing your permanent crown in place to renew your tooth.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The procedure itself is painless, as we’ll numb your mouth for this treatment. Any discomfort you feel after the anesthesia wears off will disappear within a day or two.
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How long will my crown last?
A quality ceramic or porcelain crown can last for quite a while, up to 15 years. Metal crowns can last even longer. Good oral care is the secret to keeping your crowns strong for the long haul.
How do I care for crowned teeth?
The same way you care for natural teeth, by brushing and flossing daily and keeping up with routine dental exams and cleanings. If you grind your teeth, wear a nightguard to protect your crown from chipping or cracking. For the same reason, it’s good to avoid eating hard or crunchy foods.
Where can I find a dentist that does crowns near me?
Dr. W. Palmer Westmoreland from Westmoreland Family Dentistry is your go-to dentist for crowns in Augusta, GA. Contact us at (706) 535-2300 for all your restorative dental needs.
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Dr. W. Palmer Westmoreland – Dentist
With over 22 years of experience, Dr. Westmoreland leads our practice with a heart for service and a passion for excellence. He earned his Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Georgia and his Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from Augusta University Dental College of Georgia. A proud member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Westmoreland is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. His commitment to community service is evident through his volunteer work in countries like Peru and Ecuador.
When he’s not creating confident smiles, Dr. Westmoreland enjoys spending time with his wife, Sara, and their three sons—William, Mitchell, and Philip. He’s also an avid fisherman, a devoted UGA football fan, a sci-fi and fantasy movie buff, and an active church and men’s group member.
