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Is a damaged tooth putting a damper on your day? It’s possible that you might need a dental crown (sometimes referred to as a dental cap) to get it back to its full functionality and an attractive appearance. At Paris Mountain Dental, we can fit you with a custom, natural-looking crown to restore your smile.

Why Would I Need a Tooth Crown?

We recommend getting a dental crown for a number of different reasons since they can improve a tooth’s strength as well as its appearance. Here are some of the main situations that might call for a tooth crown:

  • You have a cavity that’s too large for a filling to restore.
  • You have a broken tooth.
  • You have a severely worn down tooth.
  • You have a tooth that’s discolored or misshaped.
  • You just had root canal therapy and need to protect the treated tooth.
  • You need to get a dental implant or dental bridge.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials. The most common are porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloy. Each type of material offers its own benefits, and we’ll sit down to determine the best option for you based on your tooth’s condition, your tooth’s position, and your budget.

Do dental crowns protect against tooth decay?

Dental crowns are designed to support weakened teeth as well as protect them from damage and decay. However, it is possible for harmful bacteria to find its way underneath a dental crown, especially if a patient does not practice good oral hygiene at home or visit our office for regular dental cleanings and exams. Our team will examine your crown during every routine visit and make a recommendation for when the crown needs to be replaced if we believe it’s no longer adequately protecting the tooth.

What can I eat after getting a dental crown?

After your temporary dental crown is placed, we recommend that you chew with the other side of your mouth as much as possible and avoid eating anything too crunchy, sticky, or chewy. This is because temporary dental crowns are not designed to be as strong and stable as permanent crowns. Once your temporary crown is removed and your permanent one is placed, we recommend taking it easy on the crown for a few days as it settles, and then there are no food restrictions to worry about.

Should I get a dental crown or a bridge?

Dental crowns and bridges can be used for many of the same reasons. If you have several teeth in a row that have become weaker over time due to tooth decay or dental trauma, a dental bridge may be an excellent option for restoring many teeth at once. If you want a minimally invasive way to replace a missing tooth, bridges are also great for that. If only one tooth needs to be restored, however, many patients opt for a crown to avoid having to reshape the teeth on either side of the tooth in question.