Are you considering dental crowns to improve the look or function of your teeth? Dental crowns are one of the most effective solutions for restoring damaged teeth, enhancing your smile, and providing long-lasting protection.
At Lakeshore Dental in Virginia Beach, we understand the importance of a healthy, beautiful smile, and we offer top-quality dental crowns to meet your unique needs.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about dental crowns, including their benefits, types, and what to expect during the procedure.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are designed to restore the tooth’s size, shape, and strength while improving its appearance. They cover the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, helping protect it from further damage or decay.
Dental crowns can be a great solution for patients with cracked, broken, or severely decayed teeth, as well as for those who have undergone root canal treatment.
At Lakeshore Dental, our skilled team works with you to determine the best crown option for your needs, ensuring a seamless and natural fit that blends beautifully with your other teeth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer a wide range of benefits, making them a popular choice for many patients. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Improved Appearance: Crowns cover damaged or discolored teeth, enhancing the look of your smile and boosting confidence.
- Strength and Support: Crowns add strength to weakened teeth, helping them withstand normal chewing forces.
- Protection: Crowns protect teeth from further decay, damage, or wear, reducing the need for future dental work.
- Long-Lasting Results: With proper care, dental crowns can last many years, providing a cost-effective solution for tooth restoration.
At Lakeshore Dental, we ensure that each crown is crafted with precision, offering durable and aesthetic solutions that align with your oral health goals.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns available, each with unique benefits.
Our team at Lakeshore Dental will recommend the type best suited to your individual needs based on factors like durability, aesthetics, and budget.
Here’s an overview of the most common types:
- Porcelain Crowns:
- Ceramic Crowns:
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns:
- Metal Crowns:
- Zirconia Crowns:
At Lakeshore Dental, we will help you choose the option that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Dental Crowns vs. Bridges
While dental crowns are used to restore single teeth, bridges are a dental solution for missing teeth. A bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored by crowns on either side of the gap. Bridges are often supported by dental crowns on adjacent teeth, offering a stable and fixed solution for tooth loss.
If you’re considering dental crowns and bridges, Lakeshore Dental can help you explore the options and decide which is best for restoring your smile.
The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
At Lakeshore Dental, we aim to make every dental procedure as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
The process for getting a dental crown:
- Initial Consultation and Preparation: During your first visit, our dentist will examine the tooth and take X-rays to assess its condition. If necessary, we may perform additional treatments, such as a root canal, to ensure the tooth’s health before placing the crown. Once the tooth is ready, we’ll shape it to accommodate the crown, ensuring a snug fit. After preparing the tooth, we’ll take impressions to create a custom crown that matches your tooth’s shape and color.
- Temporary Crown Placement: A temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being custom-crafted. This temporary crown will allow you to function normally while waiting for your permanent crown.
- Final Crown Placement: At your second appointment, we’ll remove the temporary crown and securely bond the permanent crown to your tooth. Our dentist will make final adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and proper alignment. Once in place, your new crown will look and function like a natural tooth.
Caring for Your Dental Crowns
Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of your dental crowns. Here are a few tips to keep your crowns in great condition:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around your crowns. Pay attention to the gum line around the crown to keep it clean.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental check-ups allow us to monitor the health of your crowns and provide professional cleanings.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Chewing on hard foods or sticky candies can damage or dislodge your crowns.
- Limit Staining Foods and Beverages: Although porcelain and ceramic crowns resist staining, excessive consumption of coffee, tea, and other staining substances can affect their appearance.
At Lakeshore Dental, we’re committed to helping you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Our team provides personalized advice on caring for your dental crowns to ensure they last for many years.
Why Choose Lakeshore Dental for Dental Crowns?
At Lakeshore Dental in Virginia Beach, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality dental care tailored to each patient’s needs. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques and materials to create durable, natural-looking dental crowns that enhance both the health and appearance of your smile.
We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through the entire process, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed.
Whether you need a crown for a damaged tooth or are interested in exploring other restorative options, Lakeshore Dental is here to help.
Our focus on patient-centered care, combined with our commitment to quality, makes us the go-to choice for dental crowns in Virginia Beach.
