When you have dental crowns placed, or if you lose a crown, you’ll usually have to wear a replacement or temporary crown while the permanent crown is being manufactured. This replacement crown requires some special care, but is generally not difficult to function with.
Getting a New Crown
Dental crowns are generally used to restore teeth that have been severely damaged by decay, cracked, or that have received root canal treatment. Crowns help hold the tooth together if it’s cracked, and add strength and stability to a tooth that has undergone a root canal. Generally, the crown is placed in two stages. First, the tooth is prepared for the crown. Some enamel must be removed, and the tooth must be reshaped in order to make room for the crown. The final crown is based on a mold taken of your tooth. While that crown is being prepared, you’ll wear a replacement crown to protect the modified tooth.
The replacement crown is affixed to the tooth with adhesive, but this adhesive isn’t as strong as the permanent type used to affix your final crown. The replacement crown is also not as strong as the permanent crown. It’s important to avoid sticky or chewy foods while you’re waiting for your final crown. Chewy or hard foods could break the crown, and sticky foods could pull it off the tooth, leaving the modified tooth surface unprotected. If the temporary crown does happen to come off, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are various types of dental crowns from which you can choose. The type of crown that’s best for you depends upon the preferences of your dentist as well as where the crown is located. Crowns are most commonly made of:
- Metal, usually gold
- Porcelain
- Tooth-colored composite
- Porcelain-bonded metal
Tooth-colored crowns, made of porcelain or composite resin, are a good option for front teeth. For back teeth, a metal or porcelain-bonded metal crown is better since the tooth much stand up to the pressure and wear and tear of chewing.
To discuss your dental crown options, contact our team by calling 817-440-3082 today!