Can my teeth be treated with crowns? Your common questions answered by Prescott, WI, gentle dental team

Scenic Bluffs Dental is your destination in Prescott and western WI for gentle, stress-free dentistry. Along with his skilled and warm team, Dr. Jay supports pleasant, no-hassle dental visits with preventive services. So, every effort is made to protect your teeth from threats such as decay. However, we also understand that life happens. New challenges can arise to your good oral health over time. We may recommend that damaged teeth be repaired promptly with dental restorations such as crowns. Here, we’ve answered a few of your frequently asked questions about treatment with crowns. 

Why would you recommend a crown in the first place? 

We won’t know for sure what is best for your situation until after we examine your teeth and gums. All of our teeth have natural crowns—that white part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth above the gumline. If we find that this protective covering is damaged and cannot be repaired adequately with more conservative options, such as fillings, a crown may be in your future. Dr. Jay uses all sorts of materials to replicate the crowns though ceramic is most common. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with each material, which we’re happy to discuss during your visit to our office. 

What are the alternatives to crowns? 

Depending on your needs, we may recommend dental fillings, inlays, or onlays (partial crowns). Fillings are appropriate for smaller cavities. Large fillings are not recommended because they do not provide the structural integrity that is required for lasting, healthy function. Inlays and onlays are a conservative alternative to full-coverage crowns for more modest damage. Inlays replace damaged areas within the cusps or points of the tooth, whereas onlays treat damage within the cusps and at least one tooth point or cusp.

What is the process?

Of course, every patient is unique. And, since there are so many different ways to use and place crowns, the actual process varies from individual to individual. However, the steps involved generally include applying painless anesthetic precisely to the treatment site for your utmost comfort. We can also discuss other sedative options to keep you relaxed throughout treatment. Damaged areas of the tooth are then removed, and the tooth is slightly reduced to accommodate or “accept” the crown. The crown itself is made from impressions or models of your mouth. We place a temporary or provisional crown while your permanent restoration is being made by our lab partners. In around two weeks, you return to Scenic Bluffs Dental. Dr. Jay removes the temporary, assures the lab-made crown fits great and looks wonderful, and then it is bonded or cemented into place. 

How do I care for a crowned tooth? 

Like your real tooth! Crowns require no special care. Continue to visit us at least once every six months for professional cleanings and exams. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss daily. If you have habits that can make crowns or other dental work vulnerable to damage, such as teeth-grinding, we will discuss options to protect your teeth and the investment that you’ve made in your smile. A custom-fit nightguard, for instance, prevents excessive wear and tear caused by bruxism. 

Scenic Bluffs Dental has accounted for every aspect of your dental visit. We strive to make the experience as comfortable and convenient as possible, down to our non-invasive and fast diagnostics to our in-house financing options, which address the fear of the dental bill. Contact us before you are in pain or notice other concerning symptoms. Proactive care saves you time, money, and unnecessary stress and trauma.