Dental Crowns: Restoring Damaged Teeth to Their Full Strength
A cracked, broken, or severely decayed tooth doesn’t have to mean an extraction. In many cases, a dental crown can restore the tooth completely helping to preserve your natural smile and protect your oral health. At Augusta Dental in Henderson, NV, Dr. Alan Sevy uses the latest materials and techniques to create crowns that are both strong and natural-looking.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged tooth, covering it entirely from the gumline up. Crowns restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Modern crowns are made from tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic materials that blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, making them virtually undetectable.
When Is a Crown Recommended?
Dr. Sevy may recommend a crown in several situations: when a tooth has a cavity too large for a filling, when a tooth is cracked or fractured, after a root canal procedure to protect the treated tooth, to restore a worn-down tooth, to support a dental bridge, or to cover a dental implant. Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
The Crown Placement Process
Getting a crown typically takes two appointments. During the first visit, Dr. Sevy prepares the tooth by reshaping it slightly to make room for the crown. He then takes impressions and places a temporary crown to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is custom-fabricated in a dental lab. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is carefully fitted, adjusted for comfort, and permanently cemented in place.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
With proper care, a dental crown can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. Brushing twice daily, flossing, and keeping up with professional cleanings at Augusta Dental will help maximize the lifespan of your crown. Avoiding habits like grinding your teeth or chewing on hard objects also helps. If you grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. Sevy about a custom night guard.
If you have a tooth that’s damaged, sensitive, or giving you trouble, don’t wait until it becomes an emergency. Call Augusta Dental at 702-616-1942 or visit 1485 W. Warm Springs Rd., Ste. 101, Henderson, NV. Dr. Sevy can assess your tooth and help you understand all your options.