Dental Crowns in Kearny Mesa, San Diego
The poking, prodding, and scraping may make people dread their routine teeth cleaning. At Landmark Dental Arts in San Diego, California, James Berry, DDS, and the dental experts offer comprehensive teeth cleaning with a gentle touch. Your regular teeth cleanings not only improve oral health but may also prevent the need for more serious dental work. To schedule a teeth cleaning, call the office by phone or book an appointment online today.
Dental Crowns Q & A
What is a dental crown?
A crown is a tooth-like cap that covers a broken or worn-down tooth to restore its appearance and function. Crowns are used to cover:
- Broken, weakened, or cracked teeth
- Teeth that have had a lot of fillings
- Dental implants
- Anchor teeth for bridges
- Teeth discolored by a root canal
What happens during a dental crown procedure?
Dental crown procedures usually require two appointments. At your first visit, Dr. Berry takes X-rays and performs a full examination to make sure your tooth is suitable for a crown. He prepares your tooth for the crown by numbing your mouth, filing the tooth down, and filling in damaged areas of the tooth, if necessary.
Dr. Berry then uses a putty-like material to make impressions of your affected tooth and your bite. He sends those impressions to a lab, where they create the crown. He may send you home with a temporary crown until the permanent one is finished.
At the next appointment, about two to three weeks later, Dr. Berry removes the temporary crown and fits you for the permanent crown. He makes sure the crown is perfect before cementing it in place. Landmark Dental Arts uses ceramic crowns for their durability and identical match to the natural appearance of teeth.
How do I take care of the new dental crown?
After you receive your crown, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold for a time. You can use toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help decrease the sensation. Let Dr. Berry know if your bite feels funny, you feel continued discomfort, or your crown feels loose or falls out.
Crowns typically last from five to 15 years. To preserve your crown’s integrity, avoid chewing hard substances like ice or fingernails. If you inadvertently grind your teeth or clench your jaw, ask Dr. Berry about options such as mouthguards to minimize wear and tear on your teeth.
Routine oral care is crucial for prolonging your crown’s lifespan and prevent tooth decay. Brush, floss, and rinse just like you normally would. Since your tooth’s roots are still intact, a crown doesn’t automatically protect your tooth from decay,
If you need a new crown or you need to repair an existing crown near you, contact Landmark Dental Arts online or by phone to set up your first appointment.
Still have questions?
