7DENTAL Central Park
Dental Crowns in Ottawa
Dental Crowns
At 7Dental Central Park, we understand the importance of a healthy, strong smile. Dental crowns are a versatile and effective restorative solution designed to protect and strengthen teeth that have been damaged or weakened. Often referred to as ‘caps,’ these custom-made coverings fit snugly over your entire tooth, restoring its natural shape, size, and function. They are a wonderful way to bring back both the health and beauty of your smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is essentially a custom-made ‘cap’ that your dentist places over an entire tooth. It’s designed to cover the visible portion of your tooth, from the gum line up, restoring its original shape, size, strength, and improving its appearance. Think of it as a protective helmet for your tooth, providing a strong new surface that can withstand the forces of biting and chewing. Crowns are meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing result.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous advantages, helping to restore both the health and aesthetics of your smile. They provide robust support for teeth compromised by large fillings, cracks, or wear, preventing further damage. Crowns can also rebuild teeth that have fractured or worn down significantly, restoring their proper form and function. After a root canal, a crown is often recommended to protect the treated tooth from future fractures and ensure its longevity. Beyond structural benefits, crowns can correct discoloured, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth, enhancing the overall beauty of your smile. They also serve as strong anchors for dental bridges and, by restoring the tooth’s natural shape, help you chew comfortably and effectively.
When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?
Your dentist might recommend a dental crown for several reasons, always with your oral health and comfort in mind. One common scenario is when a tooth has a very large filling that leaves little natural tooth structure remaining, making it vulnerable to fracture. Crowns are also an excellent solution for teeth that are cracked, broken, or severely worn down due to grinding or age. If you’ve recently had a root canal, a crown is typically placed to protect the treated tooth, as it can become more brittle after the procedure.
Additionally, crowns can be used for cosmetic purposes, such as covering severely discoloured or misshapen teeth, or to help anchor a dental bridge. During your consultation, we will discuss if a dental crown is the most suitable option for your specific needs.
The Dental Crown Process
Getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to our 7Dental Central Park office, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit.
First Visit: Preparation and Temporary Crown
- Initial Examination: Your dentist will thoroughly examine the tooth and take X-rays to ensure it can support a crown.
- Tooth Preparation: The tooth will be gently reshaped to make room for the crown. Any decay will be removed.
- Impressions: Accurate impressions of your tooth are taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom crown will be crafted.
- Temporary Crown Placement: A temporary crown is placed over your prepared tooth to protect it while your permanent crown is being made. You’ll wear this for about two weeks.
Second Visit: Permanent Crown Placement
- Temporary Crown Removal: Your temporary crown is carefully removed.
- Crown Placement: Your new, custom-made permanent crown is checked for fit, bite, and aesthetics.
- Cementation: Once you and your dentist are satisfied, the crown is permanently bonded to your tooth.
We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you maintain your new crown.
Types of Crown Materials
Dental crowns can be crafted from various materials, each offering unique benefits in terms of strength, durability, and aesthetics. Common options include porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys (like gold), and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are highly popular for their natural, tooth-like appearance, making them ideal for visible teeth.
Metal alloys are known for their exceptional strength and longevity, often chosen for molars where biting forces are strongest. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer a blend of both, providing strength with a tooth-coloured exterior. Your dentist at 7Dental Central Park will discuss the most suitable material for your specific needs, considering factors like the tooth’s location, your bite, and your aesthetic preferences.
Caring for Your New Crown
Caring for your new dental crown is very similar to caring for your natural teeth, emphasizing consistent good oral hygiene. It’s important to continue brushing twice a day and flossing daily to keep the crown and surrounding gum tissue healthy. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings at 7Dental Central Park are also crucial to monitor the condition of your crown and overall oral health. While crowns are durable, it’s wise to avoid chewing on extremely hard foods, ice, or sticky candies, as these can potentially damage the crown or the underlying tooth. With proper care, your dental crown can provide many years of reliable function and a beautiful smile.
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