Crowns Q & A

What are crowns?

Dental crowns available at Martindale Family Dentistry are tooth-colored caps that fit over natural teeth that are:

  • Gapped
  • Too small
  • Decayed
  • Cracked
  • Chipped
  • Weak
  • Discolored
  • Misshapen 
  • Worn down

Crowns not only improve the appearance of imperfect teeth, but they also make teeth stronger and help prevent future oral health problems. 

Is a dental crown right for me?

To determine if you’re a good candidate for a dental crown, your Martindale Family Dentistry provider reviews your oral health history and symptoms, examines your teeth and gums, and uses digital X-rays to find the root cause of dental issues and develop a treatment plan. 

Your dentist might recommend a root canal or other restoration procedure prior to crown placement if you have severe tooth decay.

What should I expect during crown placement?

If during an initial consultation your Martindale Family Dentistry specialist determines you’re a good candidate for a crown, they can begin treatment.

To start, your dentist might numb the treatment area to help you feel comfortable during your procedure. They remove dental decay when necessary and may file down or build up your tooth to ensure a crown can fit over it properly.

Your dentist digitally scans your teeth and sends the information to a dental lab, where technicians create a new, custom-fit crown that matches your natural tooth color. You might wear a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready. 

When the permanent crown arrives, your dentist removes the temporary crown, ensures the permanent crown fits properly, and bonds it securely over your natural tooth.

How should I care for my new crown?

Crowns can last many years if you care for them properly. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss every day, and avoid chewing on hard candy, ice, popcorn kernels, and other hard objects. 

Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth and call the Martindale Family Dentistry team if the crown falls off, becomes loose, or gets damaged. See your dentist every six months for an exam and routine dental cleaning.

Don’t let a minor tooth problem progress to a serious oral health issue. Schedule an appointment with Martindale Family Dentistry by phone or online to find out if you’re a good candidate for a dental crown.