At Otsego Dental, we’re here to help you smile with confidence! Dr. Paul Sheils and our friendly team offer advanced, holistic dental crown solutions to restore your teeth and keep them strong. If you’re dealing with a damaged or weakened tooth, a crown could be just what you need. Let’s answer some of your most common questions about dental crowns, their benefits, and why choosing us is the best decision for your dental care in Otsego.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a damaged tooth. It restores the tooth’s size, shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are designed to encase the entire tooth, providing protection and preventing further damage or infection. At Otsego Dental, we focus on using biocompatible materials to ensure that your crown is not only functional but also safe for your overall health.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are used in various situations, including:
- Protecting a Weak Tooth: To prevent further damage to a weakened or cracked tooth.
- Restoring a Broken Tooth: To fix a tooth that is worn down or damaged.
- Covering a Large Filling: If a filling is too large to support the tooth, a crown can restore its strength.
- Cosmetic Reasons: To improve the appearance of misshaped or discolored teeth.
- Securing a Dental Implant: To cover and complete a dental implant restoration.
The Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown
At Otsego Dental, we use the latest technology and biocompatible materials to ensure a smooth, effective crown procedure. The process involves two visits:
- Preparation and Impressions: During the first visit, Dr. Sheils will examine and prepare the tooth, removing any decay and shaping the tooth to fit the crown. Afterward, an impression of the tooth is made to create a custom crown. A temporary crown will be placed until your permanent crown is ready.
- Placement: In the second visit, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be placed. Dr. Sheils will ensure a perfect fit and color match before cementing the crown securely in place.
What Materials Are Used for Dental Crowns?
At Otsego Dental, we use only biocompatible materials for crowns to ensure that they are safe for your health. Our options include:
- Porcelain: Offers a natural, aesthetic look, making it ideal for front teeth.
- Ceramic: Durable, strong, and highly natural-looking, perfect for teeth that require both function and appearance.
- Zirconia: A modern, biocompatible material known for its strength and natural appearance, perfect for both front and back teeth.
We choose materials that align with our holistic approach, ensuring the restoration of your smile without compromising your health.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. To maximize the longevity of your crown, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, avoid chewing on hard objects, and attend regular dental check-ups at Otsego Dental.
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
Our holistic approach and the use of advanced technology ensure that the crown procedure is as comfortable as possible. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so you should feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, some mild sensitivity may occur, but this typically fades quickly.
How to Care for Your Dental Crown
Once your crown is in place, caring for it is easy. Follow these simple tips to maintain your crown and keep your smile healthy:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between your teeth and around your crown.
- Avoid chewing on hard foods, like ice, which can damage the crown.
- Visit Otsego Dental for regular check-ups to monitor the condition of your crown.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have a damaged or weakened tooth and are considering a dental crown, we’re here to help. At Otsego Dental, Dr. Paul Sheils and our compassionate team provide holistic, biocompatible solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward restoring your smile with a beautiful, durable dental crown. Let us help you maintain a healthy, confident smile for years to come!