Do you have one or more broken, cracked, decayed, or worn-down teeth? If so, Dr. Michael Courter can bring back your healthy and beautiful smile with dental crowns in the Permian Basin. This restorative treatment can make a damaged tooth feel and look good as new again, and add durability to your teeth.
Dental crowns are one of the most widely-used dental restorations at our office. Dr. Michael Courter provides dental crowns in Midland, Texas to his patients that need them. He works with patients to create customized dental crowns that look and feel like natural teeth.
Dental crowns are porcelain ceramic caps that fully cover teeth and blend in with the look and feel of patients’ smiles. Keep reading to discover more about this restorative dentistry procedure. You will learn how you can benefit from custom-made dental crowns at our Midland family dental practice.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap that will fit snugly over the entire part of your tooth that is visible above your gums. Once our dentist places it, it protects the tooth from further damage. The crown also evens-out your jaw’s biting force to prevent alignment problems from developing later on.
In the past, dental crowns were made of various precious metals like silver and gold. However, Dr. Courter prefers to use a compound that resembles natural tooth enamel, like dental porcelain. You will get to work with our dentist to choose the exact size, shape, and color of your new crown. Dr. Courter will deliver the strongest and most natural-looking results.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns from Dr. Michael Courter
We use a precise color-matching system to find the perfect shade of dental porcelain that will match the rest of your pearly whites. Because of this, no-one outside our dental team should be able to tell the difference between your crown and your natural teeth! Now that’s just one benefit of getting dental crowns from us. The following are more of the benefits that you can look forward to after getting a dental crown.
Tooth decay and damage can often be quite painful, but crowns can fix that. They protect teeth from additional discomfort. The crown will shield your tooth from further damage that could result in having to extract the tooth. So you can essentially retain your natural smile in cases of severe decay or damage.
Additionally, porcelain crowns are durable enough to withstand everyday biting and chewing forces for years to come. With the right care and maintenance, a dental crown can last upwards of a decade.
Crowns restore both the look and function to misshapen, chipped, and broken teeth. Depending on where it is in the mouth, a misshapen tooth can impact your ability to chew and speak clearly.
Broken and chipped teeth may cause pain and have sharp edges that can cut open the soft tissues of your tongue and cheeks. A crown completes or fixes your tooth, to restore it back to a normal shape. You can use the tooth without fear of pain or damaging soft tissues.
One of the most common uses for dental crowns is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal procedure. A dentist removes the infected dental pulp from inside the tooth, then fills it with using a biocompatible material. The tooth may not return to full function until the dentist places a dental crown. A dental crown seals the tooth from further infection and restores that function.
Lastly, crowns are the most common final restoration to finish a dental implant. We custom-make each crown so that it matches the size, shape, and shade of the rest of your teeth. The implant post acts as the tooth root, and the dental crown finishes the restoration. An implant with a dental crown both looks and feels the most like natural teeth compared to other restoration options.
To learn more about replacing a tooth using a dental implant, see Dental implants.
Dental Crown Treatment at Our Dental Office
In most cases, all it takes is a couple of short appointments to design, fit, and cement your dental crown into place. Dr. Courter will first prepare the tooth by removing a slight layer of enamel. Removing a small layer of the tooth receiving the crown creates a proper surface for the tooth crown.
He will then create impressions and detailed images of the area, and send them to our trusted dental lab. We’ll place a temporary crown while the lab is busy crafting your permanent one. You’ll return in a few weeks to trade your temporary for your final restoration.
Once the dental crown or crowns are complete, Dr. Courter will remove the temporary crown and bond the permanent crown to the tooth. He will clean and polish the crown and ensure that it fits securely in your mouth.
Post-treatment Instructions
Directly following your treatment, we will provide you with pain medication to aid in your recovery. Any tooth soreness or sensitivity will subside within 3 days of your treatment. Please refrain from eating any hard or chewy foods, as this can cause further irritation or pain. We recommend that you eat soft foods while you recover.
Dental crowns are permanent dental restorations. With the right care, they can last for years to come. Properly brushing and flossing the crown and the teeth surrounding the crown can keep dental infections at bay.
If your crown comes loose or falls out because of an injury, please contact our office as soon as possible. Bacteria can easily collect beneath a loose-fitting crown. Old, broken, and loose dental crowns can also cause pain and bite dysfunction.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are similar to dental fillings and dental crowns in that they seal and protect teeth. However, they cover different areas of the tooth surface. Inlays cover the space between the cusps or upper sides of the teeth.
Onlays cover the tooth sides. Both inlays and onlays consist of a porcelain ceramic composite that blends in with the shade of natural teeth. Because of this, they are a great discreet option for patients with worn or injured teeth.
Dental Crown FAQs
How long does a dental crown last?
Dental crowns are a permanent restoration option for your teeth. On average, the crown lasts around 15 to 20 years. However, it can last much longer than that if you take good care of it. The better your oral healthcare routine, the longer your dental crown is going to last.
Can my tooth decay under a dental crown?
Yes, tooth decay can form under a crown. Being extra diligent about taking care of your oral health is important to avoid this. We also do everything we can to ensure your crown has a tight seal to protect your natural tooth from bacteria and food particles. If bacteria get under the crown, decay is likely to occur.
How long do I have to wait to eat after getting a dental crown?
You only need to wait 30-45 minutes after your dental appointment to eat with your new crown. This gives the dental cement time to set under the crown. Avoid chewing in the area where your crown is for the first few days following your procedure. You also want to avoid sticky or chewy foods for these first few days.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
No, getting a dental crown shouldn’t be painful. We numb the area around where you’ll get the crown with a local anesthetic before the procedure. We won’t begin the procedure until we’re sure your mouth is completely numb. Our dental care office also offers sedation options to keep you relaxed throughout the entire process.
Will I need to adjust my crown after the dentist places it?
You should not need a crown adjustment after the dentist cements it in its place. We take as many precautions as possible to ensure that your crown fits properly before we cement it to the tooth. Crowns that are too large can shift, and food and bacteria can get under them more easily. If you notice any issues with the fit of your crown, call us immediately.
Am I a good candidate for a dental crown?
Dental crowns are ideal for many patients. However, there are some instances where an extraction is necessary. For example, when there is too much damage or decay on the tooth to salvage. Certain oral health conditions need treatment before we can place crowns in some instances as well.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Are you in Midland, Texas and looking for a dental crown restoration near you? With the help of our local dentist, you can get durable and long-lasting dental crowns. Call Dr. Courter’s North Midland dental office at 432-287-9531. Feel free to schedule an appointment with Dr. Courter online and we will get back to you soon.