Sometimes we hesitate to ask questions, perhaps for fear of looking foolish or silly. However, we believe the only silly question is the one you don't ask. So, when it comes to your teeth, mouth, and dentistry, you should ask every question that comes to mind! Today we're focusing on tooth crowns. Here are some of the common questions we hear from our patients about dental crowns in Charlotte.
What's the Difference between a Filling and a Crown?
A dental filling closes a cavity, which is basically a tiny hole in your tooth. On the other hand, a crown is a cap that fits your tooth to serve as a complete cover. Our dentists will likely recommend a crown when a filling no longer suffices or not enough tooth is left to which the filling may bond.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
At Harlow Dental in Charlotte, NC, your crown will be fabricated with high-quality materials in a trusted dental lab designed for your specific needs. As a result, your crown can easily last for many years with proper fit and care.
Committing to a consistent home care routine of daily brushing and flossing will help the longevity of your crown. Regular visits with our Charlotte dentists will also protect the health of your dental restorations.
Do All Crowns Look Like Teeth?
The final appearance of your dental crown will depend on which tooth is being restored and other factors like durability and aesthetics.
Many people will elect for a porcelain restoration, which is indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth. Other options are metal encased in porcelain for additional durability or full gold crowns, which are best for back teeth that endure the most wear from chewing.
If I Need a Root Canal, Do I Need a Crown Too?
A root canal is a procedure that saves a tooth that has endured significant damage, decay, or infection. In this case, Dr. Harlow removes the inner portions of your tooth – the nerve root and pulp – and then he seals it up completely.
Because your tooth is no longer a living structure with a nerve, it becomes brittle and prone to cracking, so a crown will preserve what is left and ensure your tooth is still ideal in appearance and function.
How Are Crowns Related to Dental Bridges?
A crown usually fixes one tooth. A dental bridge is intended to restore missing adjacent teeth. A bridge will fill the gap and allow you to chew and prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting effectively. In these cases, Dr. Harlow may use crowns as anchors for the teeth on either side of a dental bridge to create a more substantial anchor point for the bridge.
How Are Crowns Related to Dental Implants?
A dental implant is another type of restoration that replaces a tooth from the bone up. First, the implant base is carefully placed in your jawbone, and the bone grows around it to anchor it permanently in your mouth. Then, Dr. Harlow will attach a crown on top of the implant base to blend seamlessly with your smile. Think of the crown as the finishing touch to your tooth implant and smile!
Ask Your Dentist If a Crown Is Right for You
Crowns are excellent dental restorations that serve many functions. Contact our Charlotte dental office at (704) 333-6010 if you have questions about dental crowns or other procedures.