Effectively Rebuild Your Smile with Dental Crowns
At Vaca & Kirby Dental, we do everything we can to try to save your tooth from needing to be extracted. If you have a tooth that has suffered from significant damage, injury, or infection, the secret to saving it may be as simple as dental crowns. Not only will they restore the health and function of your tooth, but they can also improve its appearance as well. Using high-quality materials, it will be made to look like a natural tooth while restoring your oral health with a durable and long-lasting solution. You can smile with confidence knowing that it will blend in with your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
Call 903-663-0861 to make dental crown appointment in our Longview, TX office.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that is placed over a tooth. It will be covered entirely above the gum line. Due to their versatility, a single crown is the most common restorative procedure performed because they can be used for several purposes.
Often, they are used to provide an added layer of protection for a tooth that has a large filling from decay. They can also be used to treat a significant fracture by holding the pieces together. In some cases, they are even used as a preventive measure to protect a weakened tooth from breaking, such as for those who suffer from bruxism, or clenching of the teeth.
It is not uncommon for a dental crown to be used in combination with other procedures, like root canal therapy, dental implants, or a dental bridge. They are also commonly used in cosmetic dentistry because they can improve the color, size, and shape of a tooth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns can:
- Prevent additional decay
- Strengthen teeth
- Improve your appearance
- Reshape teeth
- Mask tooth discoloration
- Restore decayed, cracked, or damaged teeth
- Replace silver crowns
- Last for a long time
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
A dental crown is a cap that will be placed over the entire tooth to improve its strength and appearance. In some cases, it can even promote the tooth’s shape or alignment. Using highly detailed impressions, it will be made to match your specific needs in terms of size, shape, and color. This will allow it to look and feel like a real tooth while restoring your oral health.
What Materials Are Used to Make a Dental Crown?
In the past, dental crowns were made from metals. While they were strong and durable, they were highly visible. Now, your dentist prefers to use porcelain. Porcelain very closely mimics the appearance of enamel to create a natural looking restoration. In addition, it is strong and durable, allowing it to last for an average of 10 years or longer before needing to be replaced.
The use of porcelain resolves many of the disadvantages of past dental crowns. Not only will they blend in with your remaining natural teeth, but you will not have to worry about a dark line appearing at the gum line. They are also the perfect alternative for those who have metal allergies.
Do I Need a Dental Crown?
Dr. Kirby and Dr. Vaca may recommend the use of a dental crown for several reasons, such as to:
- Replace a large filling
- Protect a weakened tooth from fracturing
- Restore a broken or fractured tooth
- Attach a dental bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover dark tooth discoloration
- Improve the size and shape of a tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal therapy
How Do I Get a Dental Crown in Longview?
To receive a dental crown, you will first need an initial consultation to create a customized treatment plan. In addition to a visual examination, digital X-rays will be taken. You will then be scheduled for your procedure. To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic will be recommended.
Your tooth will be prepared by removing any areas of damage and small amounts of enamel to reshape it. Then, digital impressions are taken, which are needed to ensure that your crown will meet your exact size, shape, and color needs. The dental lab will develop your restoration with precision and accuracy. While you wait for it to be ready, we will attach a temporary one. In about two weeks, you will return to our office to have your permanent crown bonded in place.
After your dental crown has been placed, it is normal to experience some slight tenderness or sensitivity for a few days as with any dental procure; however, these issues will subside within a few days. It may also take some time for you to get used to chewing with your new crown, but it will soon feel like a natural tooth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns offer a long-term solution with the right aftercare. On average, you can expect your restoration to last for about 10 years before needing to be replaced. To promote its longevity, it is best to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each session. In addition, carefully floss in between each tooth and around the dental crown. Avoid chewing or biting on overly hard foods, like ice, to prevent damage to the crown.
It is also best to visit your dentist twice a year for preventive care. In addition to a cleaning and checkup, your dental crown will be checked to look for any areas of concern. If it has become damaged, it can quickly and easily be replaced to continue protecting your tooth.
Effectively Replacing One or More Missing Teeth
Dental bridges are one of the most traditional methods for restoring missing teeth, and they do so by literally bridging the gap in your smile. At Vaca & Kirby Dental, we are committed to restoring the smiles for our patients in the Longview, TX, area.
The restoration will give your smile a natural look and feel. Dental crowns will be placed atop the natural teeth on either side of the gap where the missing tooth once was. Drs. David Vaca and Chris Kirby and our highly experienced staff can perform this procedure at our state-of-the-art facility.
Call Vaca & Kirby Dental today at 903-663-0861 or contact us online to learn more about our dental bridges in Longview, TX.
Dental Bridge Benefits
Dental bridges can help:
- Improve your ability to chew
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting
- Reduce risk of disease
- Lower your chances for decay
- Your teeth’s stability (compared to dentures)
- Improve the natural appearance and function of your teeth
Implant-Supported Bridge
You can fill the space of multiple missing teeth with an implant-supported bridge. Dental implants anchor the bridge to your jawbone, so you never need to worry about any slipping or irritation. With the potential to last for a lifetime, you can make a true investment in your oral health and your quality of life.
Restore Your Smile Today
If you have a tooth that suffers from damage or cosmetic flaws, a dental crown may be the solution that you have been needing. At Vaca & Kirby Dental, we use the most advanced technologies and methods to quickly restore the health and appearance of your tooth. We will provide you with a custom-made dental crown that will look and feel natural.
If you need a dental crown, do not wait. Contact Vaca & Kirby Dental today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to restoring a natural look and function to your smile.
Call 903-663-0861 today to set up your appointment for a dental crown in Longview, TX.
