Dental Crowns Tulsa, OK
Dental crowns, also known as “caps,” are used to preserve the functionality of damaged teeth.
They are used to protect a cracked tooth, restore a tooth that has excessive decay, and for providing strength and protecting a tooth against breakage. When used to protect a tooth, a dental crown can take a tooth that was in danger of failing and give it renewed life. Once protected with a dental crown, a tooth can potentially remain functional for the rest of your life, even if the crown has to be replaced.
élan Tulsa Cosmetic Dentistry uses precious metal, porcelain pressed (or fused) to metal, or all-porcelain crowns. For the a smile that is maintained easily, we recommend all ceramic-crowns that benefit from our precise color-matching system that allows us to find the right shade of porcelain to blend with your natural tooth color. Porcelain dental crowns are also extremely durable and long lasting, and these benefits make them popular with dentists as well as patients.
What Dental Crowns Can Do
Dental crowns are the most in-demand restorative dental treatment. They can be used for both cosmetic and restorative procedures. Some of the more common uses of dental crowns include:
- Repairing heavily decayed teeth
- Protecting eroded teeth
- Restoring cracked teeth
- Building up small or unattractive teeth
- Protecting teeth after root canal therapy
- Improving occlusion
- Any application where a tooth cannot support porcelain veneers
Dental crowns are partly popular because of their versatility. But they also offer many benefits. Dental crowns provide strength to damaged teeth. They also protect a tooth against future damage. Dental crowns–especially full porcelain crowns–can make a damaged and discolored tooth look beautiful again. That’s why they can often serve in place of porcelain veneers for many cosmetic procedures.
Dental Crown Process
To determine if you are a candidate for dental crowns, your dentist will perform a thorough evaluation on your teeth to see if you are eligible for crowns or require an alternative treatment. Sometimes, we will recommend a root canal treatment before you get your dental crown. Other times, we may not be able to save the tooth. We will recommend extraction and replacement. Dental implants are the best replacement option. We will have to take an impression of your teeth as they will be used as a basis for your crown restoration. From there we will design, fit, and place your crowns in just a couple of short appointments.
After the initial consultation, a fitted temporary crown is created to temporarily protect the tooth while the final restoration is being made. Once the final restoration is completed, you will return to our office for one final visit to have your permanent dental crown applied. Once your crown is placed, you care for it as you would your natural teeth. Dental crowns can be very long-lasting. The primary danger is that decay will get under the edge of the crown. Daily brushing and flossing will protect the base of your dental crown from bacterial growth. Typically, regular toothpaste and floss are adequate for dental crowns. We will let you know if special toothpaste or interdental cleaners are recommended.
You can also help extend the life of your crown by using your teeth only for biting and chewing food. Biting other objects, like ice, fingernails, or pen caps, can cause damage to your dental crowns.
For more information about dental crowns or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hodges, please call (918) 528-3330 or email our office today.
élan Tulsa Cosmetic Dentistry
10031 S Yale Ave #104
Tulsa, OK 74137