When teeth fail or chip, the dentist may recommend a crown as a way to restore the normal tooth appearance. While those with dental phobias might find the thought of dental crowning as scary, it's actually quite an easy procedure.

Here are some answers to questions for those fearful of crowning dental work.

What Is A Crown?

Crowns are simply a cap placed on top of a damaged tooth. Crowns protect the tooth while restoring its shape and appearance. They are often used when a simple filling won't solve the issue.

The crowns require regular dental care, just like your own teeth. Some materials used for crowns include resin, ceramic, porcelain, and metal.

How Painful Is Crowning?

Crowning dental work is not painful. Most patients experience mild discomfort. To ensure the patient is comfortable, dentists offer sedatives and anesthetics to help reduce pain or discomfort.

How Long Does It Take?

Dental crowing is a long process, but don't let this discourage you. The time put in is well worth the results.

The exact time can vary depending on whether the crown is made in-house or at another facility. When made in-house, the entire process takes up to four hours, including a couple of hours waiting for the crown to be made.

If the crown is made outside the office, you'll get a temporary crown and come back when the permanent crown is ready for placement. Actually, placing the crown takes close to an hour, unless issues arise with placement, then it may go longer.

How Do You Care For A Crown?

Crowns require adequate brushing and flossing, just like your own teeth. Without proper care, bacteria get under the crown and form a cavity.

If a cavity does form, the dentist removes the crown and takes care of the decay. The crown is then replaced.

Poor hygiene also leads to a buildup of plaque around the crown. Bacteria buildup causes bad breath and may lead to gum infections or decay. If you notice a bad smell in your mouth after getting a crown, the dentist can determine if bacteria are the cause.

While crowns are effective at protecting teeth from future damage, they are not as effective without proper care.

Crowns are a great way to restore the tooth's appearance and protect it from future damage. It's not a scary process, and most people undergo dental crowing without pain or discomfort. Any mild discomfort you do feel is worth it once you see a beautiful new tooth.

If you have more questions about dental crowns, talk to a dentist in your area.  

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