Dental Crowns – McKinney, TX
Rebuilding Damaged & Decayed Teeth
Although tooth enamel is the hardest material in the human body, it is far from indestructible. Your pearly whites can still be susceptible to harm over time or from sudden impact, and they won’t regenerate on their own like your bone tissue. If you’re struggling with damaged or decayed teeth, our team at Lake Forest Dental of McKinney can provide the treatment you need. We offer custom-crafted dental crowns in McKinney that can restore, strengthen, and improve the look and function of your smile. Read on or reach out to our team if you wish to learn more today!
Why Choose Lake Forest Dental of McKinney for Dental Crowns?
- Professional & Dedicated Dental Team
- Expert Dentist With Decades Of Experience
- Offers Several Budget-Friendly Financing Options
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a porcelain natural-looking cap that is specifically designed to cover the entire top surface of a damaged or decayed tooth. This durable material provides structure to the compromised tooth, holding it together as well as protecting it from further harm. Each dental crown is personalized for every patient, meaning it will be made to look and feel like the rest of your pearly whites. Once they’re fitted, you’ll be able to enjoy a flawless smile while being able to enjoy the full function of your natural teeth again!
The Dental Crown Process
It typically takes a couple of visits to complete a dental crown. Firstly, you’ll undergo an initial consultation with us so that we can assess your situation and discuss the best treatment options to restore your smile. Once we’ve decided to proceed with this procedure, our team will prepare your tooth. We’ll numb your mouth before removing a small amount of your enamel to make room for your restoration. Our team will take impressions and send them to a dental lab for fabrication.
During the next two weeks, you’ll wear temporary crowns to protect your exposed tooth. After your final restoration arrives, you’ll be called back into our office so that we can replace the provisional one with the permanent one. We’ll ensure the bite feels comfortable for you and that you’re satisfied with the results before your appointment is complete. Afterward, you’ll be able to show off and enjoy your newly restored smile.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Not only do dental crowns rebuild compromised teeth, but they can also boost your overall quality of life. Here are several essential benefits you can appreciate from this treatment:
- Prevent further damage, decay, and potential infection
- Preserve your natural teeth from needing extraction
- Restore your ability to chew, eat, and speak without discomfort
- Effective and durable materials for natural-looking and long-lasting results
- Enhance the look and function of your tooth
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Although not truly permanent, dental crowns are a durable and reliable option that can keep a tooth strong and safe for an average of five to 15 years. Reshaping a tooth for this treatment is irreversible, and enamel does not regenerate, so your tooth will always require a restoration for protection going forward. However, crowns provide strong reinforcement, shielding the underlying tooth from further harm and significantly extending its lifespan. With consistent oral care, routine dental visits, and protective habits like using a mouthguard or nightguard, these restorations can remain in excellent condition for many years.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, a dental crown can last between five and 15 years, though this varies depending on the material used. Metal ones often have a longer lifespan than metal-free restorations, but the difference is usually minor. More important than the material are individual factors such as diet, oral hygiene, and habits like smoking, nail-biting, teeth grinding, or chewing ice. Dental crowns on front teeth may also outlast those on molars, since they endure less wear and tear from chewing.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
While the crown itself cannot develop cavities, the tooth beneath it remains susceptible to decay, with a similar risk as an uncrowned tooth. Poor oral hygiene can allow bacteria and plaque to accumulate along the gumline where the tooth meets the restoration, potentially spreading underneath and damaging the underlying tooth. Preventing decay in these teeth involves the same routine care as any other tooth, including daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
When getting a crown, your dentist will typically numb the tooth being treated, often with just a topical anesthetic. You might even receive sedation dentistry so that you can be as comfortable and relaxed as possible during this procedure. The tooth is usually numbed during the preparation phase, but not always for the final placement. This can be discussed with your dentist beforehand so that you know what to expect. After preparation—and sometimes placement—the tooth may feel sensitive for several days, especially if a root canal was also performed. This can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers to help alleviate discomfort. It’s worth noting that because these restorations protect weakened teeth, they can prevent further pain or damage in the future.