Dental Crown
Dentist Rockton, IL
 There are many great restorative procedures available that can improve the strength of damaged teeth and even improve the appearance of your smile. A popular and widely used single tooth restoration is a dental crown. Our team at Rockton Dental uses crowns to protect and salvage your damaged teeth.
What Is a Crown?
A crown is basically a cap that completely encapsulates and protects a damaged and unsightly tooth. Crowns are used when your tooth has suffered damage or decay that is too severe to be corrected with a filling but does not require extraction. They are a great way to save your natural teeth while also improving the appearance of your smile.
Crowns can be made from one of several materials. Our team will discuss the various materials with you during your visit and help you choose which material best meets your needs. The location of your crown and whether or not you want it to be color-matched to your existing teeth are important factors to consider when choosing the material of your crown.
If our team is placing a crown on one of your teeth that will be visible when you smile, then you may want a porcelain or composite material that will give the appearance of a natural tooth. If we are placing a crown on a molar and you want the most durable material available, then the crown can be constructed from one of several different metals.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
The lifespan of your crown will depend on good oral hygiene and eating habits, as well as receiving regular professional cleanings. According to Healthline, a crown will last approximately ten years but can last up to twenty years with ideal care. It is also important that you avoid extremely hard foods, such as hard candies, if you have a non-metal crown.
Are Crowns Installed In One Visit?
Traditional crowns will take two separate visits. During your initial visit, our team will take a mold of your existing tooth and also select the color of your crown if you choose to have a color-matched crown as opposed to a metal crown. This information will be used to manufacture your crown, which will take several weeks.
Our professional will administer an anesthetic and shape your tooth to allow for the best fit of the crown. They will place a temporary crown over your damaged tooth to protect it while you wait for your final crown to be completed. When you return, they will remove the temporary crown. The final crown is then placed over your damaged tooth and secured with dental cement.
In some cases, a same-day crown can be used. During this process, our team takes digital images of your mouth. These images are used to create a crown with a Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) program. The installation procedure of same-day crowns is the same as traditional crowns.
If you have a damaged tooth that is causing you pain, it is time to see our professionals at Rockton Dental and find out if a crown is right for you. You can schedule your appointment by calling our team at (815) 624-3269 today.
FAQs
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers and protects a damaged, weakened, or heavily restored tooth. It is designed to restore the tooth’s shape, strength, appearance, and function while blending naturally with the rest of your smile.
When might I need a dental crown?
You may need a dental crown if you have a cracked tooth, a large cavity, a worn tooth, a tooth after root canal treatment, or an older restoration that no longer provides enough support. At Rockton Dental, our dentists will examine your tooth and recommend a crown if it is the best way to restore strength and function.
What happens during the dental crown process?
The dental crown process usually begins with an exam and preparation of the affected tooth. Our dental team will shape the tooth, take impressions or digital scans, and place a temporary crown when needed. A custom crown is then made to fit your bite and smile before it is securely attached.
Can a dental crown look natural?
Yes, dental crowns can be designed to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth for a natural-looking result. Rockton Dental will consider your bite, smile line, and aesthetic goals when planning your restoration.
How do I care for a dental crown?
Care for a dental crown by brushing twice daily, flossing every day, and keeping routine dental visits. Avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice or pens, and let our dentists know if your crown feels loose, uncomfortable, or uneven when you bite.
How long do dental crowns last?
The lifespan of a dental crown depends on the material used, your oral hygiene, bite forces, daily habits, and routine dental care. Good brushing and flossing habits, regular checkups, and protection from clenching or grinding can help support the long-term success of your crown. |
