What Are the Signs You Need a Dental Crown?

Teeth that are decayed or damaged beyond repair can cause unnecessary pain with chewing and speaking. In cases where fillings and bonding agents are not enough to restore a tooth to its natural shape and function, dental crowns can reinforce the overall structure. Dr. Junée F. Gardy works with patients in and throughout Naples, FL. At Junée F. Gardy DDS, PA, restorative dental services, including dental crowns, are provided for individuals who require extra support for their natural teeth.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-colored covering or “cap” that is customized to fit over a damaged or decayed tooth. Dental crowns are fixed to the affected tooth for a reliable fit that can last for many years. At her practice in Naples, FL, Dr. Gardy carefully assesses each tooth to determine if a dental crown is the right and most effective solution to improving a patient’s oral health.

What are the signs you need a dental crown?

There are numerous reasons an individual may need a dental crown, including:

• Broken or cracked teeth
• Teeth with moderate decay
• Stained or misshapen teeth
• A recent root canal treatment
• A fixture for a dental bridge
• Teeth with poor or failing cavity fillings
• Enamel erosion
• Tooth pain with chewing or speaking

Benefits of a dental crown

Dental crowns provide men and women with multiple benefits, including:

• Reduced tooth pain
• Improved speaking and chewing capacities
• Natural-looking, complete smile
• Enhanced oral health
• Replaced missing teeth with bridge fabrications
• Highly tailored measurements for a durable fit
• Long-lasting results
• Protection from further decay or damage

What a dental crown procedure looks like

Patients attend their scheduled appointments with Dr. Gardy at her office in Naples, FL. Dr. Gardy numbs the affected tooth with local anesthesia before skillfully removing decay and damage. Once the remaining portion of the tooth is ready, Dr. Gardy will take digital impressions, which are sent to a laboratory where a customized dental crown is constructed. While the patient waits for their new dental crown, they will be sent home with a temporary cover to protect the treated tooth. In a few weeks, the patient returns to the office so that their dental crown can be bonded to the tooth or an implant post, depending on the treatment course selected.

Is there any recovery time after receiving a dental crown?

Typically, patients experience temporary soreness, tenderness, and temperature sensitivity to the tooth, which should resolve within a few days. Patients are generally approved for eating solid foods within minutes after receiving their dental crown. However, patients are encouraged to avoid eating excessively crunchy, sticky, chewy, or hard foods for the first few days to allow the dental crown to bond and settle into place.

How long does a dental crown last?

Each patient will vary when it comes to predicting the lifespan of their new dental crown. With the proper dental care, fitting, and lifestyle choices, dental crowns can last almost 20 years before requiring dental intervention or replacement.

Dental hygiene and lifestyle habits for caring for a new dental crown

To get the most mileage out of a new dental crown, patients should apply the following tips:

• Eat healthy, nutritious foods
• Avoid excessively chewy, hard, sticky, or crunchy foods
• Limit sugar intake
• Brush and floss the teeth twice daily
• Use mouth rinse regularly to remove tartar buildup
• Attend routine dental checkups and professional cleanings
• Protect the teeth with a mouthguard while participating in contact sports

Learn more about the signs you may need a dental crown

If you reside in or near Naples, FL, and think that you are experiencing signs that you need a dental crown to improve your oral health, contact us and schedule an appointment at Junée F. Gardy, DDS, PA today. Dr. Junée F. Gardy will work with you and assess the condition of your teeth to ascertain what restorative dental services may be appropriate for you.