Dental Crowns—Waco, TX
Repair, Restore, and Protect Your Damaged Teeth
Did you know that tooth enamel is the hardest material in the human body? Unfortunately, there are still plenty of ways you may find yourself with broken or weakened pearly whites. Thankfully, at Premier Family Dental, we can repair, restore, and protect your damaged teeth with custom-made dental crowns in Waco! These beautiful restorations can help your smile look and feel like new again for many years to come. Read on to find out how and give us a call today to see if you can benefit from a dental crown.
Why Choose Premier Family Dental for Dental Crowns?
- Convenient Same-Day CEREC Dental Crowns
- Natural-Looking Porcelain
- Locally Owned Dental Practice in Waco
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are essentially tooth-shaped caps that fit snugly over a tooth, encapsulating the entire portion above the gumline. This restores the strength of the tooth and allows it to function properly once again. Simultaneously, it protects the damaged or weakened tooth underneath from further damage or decay.
What’s more, since dental crowns cover the visible part of your tooth, we can completely redesign its size, shape, and color as well. Dental crowns can be custom-made from a variety of materials, but all-porcelain dental crowns are a popular choice. This material is well-known for its durability, stain resistance, and ability to mimic the appearance of healthy tooth enamel. Depending on your preferences and where the dental crown will be placed in your mouth, your Waco dentist will help you determine which crown is best during your consultation.
Why Might I Need a Dental Crown?
Sometimes, decay or damage to your teeth is so extensive, a dental filling won’t do the trick. When this happens, a dental crown may be the best option for restoring your tooth. Crowns are often used when:
- You’ve broken a tooth.
- You need a cosmetic dentistry enhancement.
- The decay is extensive.
- A filling has fractured.
- You’ve received root canal treatment.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
With a traditional dental crown, typically at least two appointments are required. During the first, the teeth are prepared, and impressions are taken. The crown is made at a separate dental lab and is placed during the second appointment. Generally speaking, this process can take a couple of weeks.
However, if you have a dental crown made using the CEREC system, there will be no need to wait. In just one appointment, we can take a digital impression of your mouth and use it to mill a natural-looking crown that fits perfectly on your tooth. We can then place the completed dental crown right away, meaning you won’t have to wait to enjoy a fully restored, dazzling smile.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
While there are plenty of dental restorations that can help repair broken or decayed teeth, dental crowns offer unique benefits such as:
- Versatility: From tooth decay to damage to cosmetic imperfections, dental crowns are an excellent way to address many different types of issues.
- Lifelike appearance: Dental crowns made entirely of dental porcelain are strong and incredibly lifelike. Once placed, they’re practically indistinguishable from natural teeth!
- Prevention of future issues: The durable barrier provided by a dental crown is a reliable way to prevent worsening damage and serious infections.
Dental Crown FAQs
Has your dentist told you that you need a dental crown? You may still have some unanswered questions about what you can expect. Here are the answers to some of the most popular queries we receive about dental crowns in Waco. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to answer your questions and schedule you for an appointment.
ARE DENTAL CROWNS PERMANENT?
Dental crowns are not permanent, but they are considered a long-term solution. On average, they can protect your tooth for anywhere between 5 to 15 years. Since a small amount of tooth enamel needs to be removed to prepare your tooth for the crown, and enamel doesn’t grow back, this procedure is irreversible. The affected tooth will always need to be covered with a crown going forward. That being said, crowns protect the underlying tooth from additional damage, helping it to survive for much longer than it would have otherwise.
DO DENTAL CROWNS GET CAVITIES?
It is impossible for a dental crown itself to develop cavities, but the tooth underneath can still be affected by decay. A crowned tooth actually has about the same risk of decay as an uncrowned tooth. Poor oral hygiene makes it possible for bacteria and plaque to form around the gumline where the tooth meets the crown. They can then travel underneath the crown and weak havoc on the underlying tooth. You can prevent cavities in crowned teeth the same way you do with your natural teeth. Brush, floss, and see your dentist every six months!
DOES IT HURT TO GET A DENTAL CROWN?
Just like when you get a filling, your dentist will numb the tooth that they will be working on when you get a crown. This way, you will feel perfectly comfortable throughout the process of getting your new crown. However, your tooth may feel sensitive for the next few days, especially if you’ve also undergone a root canal. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed should help. If discomfort worsens, give us a call!
IS IT A DENTAL EMERGENCY IF YOUR CROWN FALLS OFF?
Losing a dental crown isn’t an urgent dental emergency, but you should still give your dentist a call and schedule an appointment within a few days. The only time you’d need to be seen sooner is if the underlying tooth has sharp edges that could harm the soft tissues in your mouth. Even if your tooth doesn’t hurt, it is still important to have the crown reseated or replaced fairly quickly, as it is more vulnerable to decay, breakage, and other damage. Until your appointment, try to avoid chewing with the tooth. When your visit rolls around, bring your crown with you.