Dental Crowns Melton

Initial Consultation and Examination

The journey towards getting a dental crown begins with a detailed examination at a dental office. During this initial consultation, the dentist assesses the patient’s oral health to determine the suitability of a dental crown. This involves checking for issues such as gum disease or decay in surrounding teeth, which could impact the effectiveness of the crown. The dentist also evaluates the condition of the natural tooth or teeth that require the crown, considering factors like structural integrity and placement.

Preparation of the Tooth

Once it is identified that a dental crown is the appropriate solution, the next step is preparing the natural tooth. This preparation typically involves reshaping the tooth to ensure the crown fits securely and aligns properly with the surrounding teeth. The degree of tooth structure extraction is influenced by the type of crown that is chosen.

For example, metal crowns usually require less removal of the tooth structure compared to porcelain crowns, which need to be thicker to achieve a natural appearance.

After reshaping, an impression of the tooth (or teeth) is taken using advanced dental technology. This impression could be a traditional mould or a digital scan, depending on the facilities available at the dental clinic. The impression is crucial as it will serve as the model from which the dental crown will be crafted.

Fabrication of the Crown

The impressions are transmitted to a dental lab where the crown is manufactured. During the fabrication process, the provided model is used to create a crown that accurately reflects the shape, size, and colour of the natural teeth, ensuring a perfect fit. Dental crowns may be made from different materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a mixture of these, chosen based on the crown’s location in the mouth and the patient’s cosmetic preferences.

Temporary Crown Placement

During the fabrication of the permanent dental crown, a temporary crown is frequently applied to protect the tooth that has been prepared. This temporary cover helps maintain the aesthetics of the patient’s smile and protects the reshaped tooth from damage and sensitivity.

Final Placement of the Crown

Once the tooth crown is ready, the patient revisits the dental clinic for the final placement. The dentist will first remove the temporary crown and then fit the new crown, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit. The crown is then cemented into place, restoring the tooth’s function and appearance. This final placement is carefully done to ensure that the crown does not affect the patient’s bite or the alignment of their surrounding teeth.

Obtaining dental crowns involves a meticulous process that enhances not only the functionality but also the aesthetics of one’s teeth. By replacing absent teeth or restoring damaged ones, dental crowns play a crucial part in maintaining oral health and improving smile aesthetics, backed by precise dental services and technology.

To ensure that your dental crowns last for many years and continue to function effectively, it’s important to adopt appropriate practices in their care. Here, we explore comprehensive guidelines on how to maintain your dental crowns properly.

Regular Oral Hygiene

Upholding outstanding oral hygiene is essential for the care of dental crowns. It’s essential to treat your crowns as you would your natural teeth.

Brushing and Flossing: Make it a habit to brush at least twice a day with a delicate-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Exercise caution around the crown area to avoid dislodging it or harming the gum line. Floss each day to eliminate plaque and food particles that accumulate between the teeth and around the crown.

It’s important to floss carefully around the crown to prevent snagging on the edges, which could loosen the crown.

Use of Mouthwash: Incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine can help lessen plaque buildup and decrease the risk of gum disease, which can undermine the foundations of your dental crowns.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Periodic dental visits are critical for the lasting care of dental crowns. These consultations allow your dentist to review the status of your crowns and handle any issues before they escalate into major problems.

Professional Cleaning: Having your teeth, including your crowns, professionally cleaned by a dentist every six months helps avoid plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease and potential crown failure.

Inspection of Crowns: Your dentist will inspect your crowns during regular visits to ensure they are secure and free from damage. Any minor chips or cracks can be repaired before they require a complete replacement of the crown.

Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments

What you eat and certain lifestyle choices can affect the longevity of your dental crowns.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Firm and sticky foods may cause damage to or dislodge dental crowns. Avoid munching on hard substances such as ice, hard sweets, and other similar treats. Sticky foods like caramel can pull at the crown, potentially loosening it.

Reduce Teeth-Staining Substances: While porcelain crowns are resistant to staining, it’s still a good idea to limit exposure to substances that can stain. Beverages like red wine and tea should be consumed in moderation.

Handling Crowns with Care

Treat your dental crowns with care to ensure their longevity.

Wear a Night Guard if Needed: If you experience teeth grinding at night, consider investing in a night guard. Grinding can impose excessive stress on your crowns, leading to premature wear or damage.

Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Never use your teeth, especially ones with crowns, as tools to open packaging or bottles, as this can lead to damage.

At our Melton dental clinic, we offer services in multiple languages, ensuring all our patients receive comprehensive and understandable explanations of their dental options. Our dentists are fluent in Vietnamese, Cantonese, English, and Korean, catering to a diverse group of patients. This multilingual capability is crucial for patients who may need a dental crown or are considering solutions for a false tooth. By communicating effectively in these languages, we can discuss detailed procedures like how to replace missing teeth or why they might need a dental crown, ensuring each patient feels confident and informed about their treatment plans.