FAQs about Crowns
Q: What are Crowns?
A: A crown is a restoration that covers, or “caps,” a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the tooth’s appearance. Crowns are indicated when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won`t solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn’t get worse. Crowns are also used to restore a tooth when there isn’t enough of the tooth remaining to provide support for a large filling, protect malformed or weakened teeth from sensitivity, restore fractured teeth, or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth.
Q: How is a crown placed?
A: To prepare the tooth for a crown, it is reduced so the crown can fit over it. The pediatric stainless steel crown is a preformed crown that is fit according to tooth size. Custom adjustments are made to ensure proper fit. Once the crown has been fit to the tooth, it is permanently placed with a special bonding material.
Q: Why crowns instead of a filling or a veneer?
A: Crowns are typically recommended because too much tooth has been lost due to decay or fracture that cannot be replaced with a filling. A crown covers the entire tooth to protect it. A veneer only covers the outside part of the tooth and is primarily used to change the appearance of the tooth.
Q: What is the difference between a cap and a crown?
A: There is no difference between a cap and a crown.
Q: How long do crowns last?
A: Crowns should last approximately five to eight years. However, with good oral hygiene and supervision, most crowns will last for a much longer period of time. Some damaging habits like grinding your teeth, chewing ice or fingernail biting may cause this period of time to decrease significantly.
Q: How should I take care of my crown?
A: To prevent damaging or fracturing the crown, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects. You also want to avoid teeth grinding. brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or inter-dental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.