Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns for Repairing Extensive Decay

Sometimes, despite our best efforts at oral hygiene, tooth decay gets the worst of us. Other times, an accident leaves a tooth chipped to the point that it doesn’t function well or ruins an otherwise beautiful smile. When troublesome scenarios like these befall your teeth, dental crowns can be like a light in the darkness, making a broken smile whole again.

In essence, a crown is a false cap that is placed on top of your existing damaged tooth in order to make it look whole again and function more effectively. The original tooth provides the internal structure while the crown provides the external facade.

Here at Alaska Dental Associates, we’ve been providing the people of Anchorage dental crowns for more than 30 years, and our team would love to add you to our list of happy patients served.

Why Should You Get a Dental Crown?

There are plenty reasons to get a dental crown, but let’s use an analogy to explain the general concept. Any given tooth in your mouth can be compared to a tree. Until its prime, a tree keeps on growing stronger and stronger with every passing day. But when it’s past its prime, it starts to wither and hollow inside the trunk.

Our teeth behave very similarly. With age and exposure to the elements (plaque), our teeth grow weaker inside and out, and can become very vulnerable to damage. A crown repairs this damage and restores the appearance of a damaged tooth.

Crowns may be used in any of the following scenarios:

-Following a root canal to support the weakened tooth.

-For cosmetic purposes to restore warped or discolored teeth.

-To add support to a dental bridge.

-To fortify a severely damaged tooth or one with a large filling.

Types of Dental Crown

There are three basic types of dental crown. The type you choose typically depends on the location of the tooth as well as your budget or insurance coverage.

Ceramic

This is the most common and inexpensive type of dental crown. The main reason for its popularity is that it easily blends in with the natural color of teeth, which have a slight yellowish tint.

Metal

All-metal crowns provide similar benefits as ceramic ones, but are more durable and don’t carry the same risk of damaging the tooth through strenuous use. Metal crowns are usually more expensive, and they aren’t typically chosen for visible teeth due to aesthetic concerns.

Porcelain-fused to Metal

Slightly more expensive than ceramic dental crowns, porcelain dental crowns fused to metal provide better durability as well as stronger bonding with the cavity compared to a ceramic material. They are a happy medium between all-ceramic and all-metal crowns.

Procedure Overview

Getting a dental crown is a fairly easy and simple procedure and generally requires at least two visits. At the first visit, we will take an impression of your tooth in order to mold the crown to appropriately fit your mouth. The existing tooth will also be shaped, removing damaged material and preparing it to take the crown. Before leaving, your tooth will be capped with a temporary crown to tide you over until the permanent one is ready.

At your second appointment, the permanent crown will be set in place and affixed with either resin or dental cement. If necessary, Dr Triggs may polish the crown to ensure that it fits smoothly with your smile and bite.

Caring For Your Crown

Crowns can sometimes last you for the rest of your life. But they are also subject to falling out. The best way to help ensure that your crown stays in place for as long as possible is to double down on dental care. Brush at least twice a day, and (we know it’s a pain) floss daily. Keep up with professional cleanings, dental exams, and x-rays, and be sure to let us know immediately if anything doesn’t feel right with your crown.

If You Need a Dental Crown in Anchorage, Schedule an Appointment Today

We’ve been capping teeth for nearly 30 years, restoring smiles and repairing bites. If your teeth are damaged, discolored, or otherwise in need of repair, contact Alaska Dental Associates today to learn if a dental crown is the right solution for you.

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