Dental Crowns – Plano, TX
At Westpark Village Dental Care, we understand how a damaged or weakened tooth can affect your confidence and everyday comfort. Our dental crowns in Plano, TX are crafted to restore full function and a natural appearance, so you can chew, laugh, and speak without worry. Whether your tooth's been damaged by decay, injury, or a root canal, our team at the best dental clinic in Plano, TX, uses quality materials and proven techniques to create a restoration that fits naturally into your smile.
Rebuild Your Tooth after Injury or Infection
Teeth can become compromised in strength and appearance due to injury, infection, or dental procedures such as root canals. Dental crowns are a common method for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, and appearance. Dentists have used dental crowns to restore the look and function of damaged teeth for centuries, and modern appliances are so incredibly lifelike and comfortable that they are virtually indistinguishable from natural healthy tooth structure.
There are several types of dental crowns, each with unique benefits, and they are generally used to provide long-lasting protection and function. Dental crowns are one of several restorations available for damaged teeth. There are also alternatives to dental crowns for tooth restoration, depending on individual needs and circumstances. Here’s some information about how dental crowns work, but please contact the team at our office if you’d like to know more.
Why Choose Westpark Village Dental Care for Dental Crowns?
- Skilled and Experienced Dentist
- Beautiful and Durable Restorations
- Flexible Financing Options Available
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap made from zirconia or porcelain that is designed to reshape misshapen teeth or replace dental structure lost to infection or injury. In some cases, they are used to support dental appliances like bridges. Almost anyone who is free from tooth decay and gum disease can receive a dental crown, and those who aren’t ready yet can usually become good candidates later after undergoing restorative dental treatments.
The Dental Crown Placement Process
Placing a dental crown typically takes only two appointments. During the first, Dr. Hardin will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic, reshape the tooth using specialized tools, take a bite impression, and place a temporary crown before sending you on your way. This temporary appliance will protect your tooth while giving you a chance to get used to wearing a crown.
A skilled lab technician will then craft your personalized crown using detailed measurements provided by our dentist. When the final restoration arrives at our office about two weeks later, you’ll come in to have your temporary crown removed and your permanent one cemented in place. After any final adjustments, you’ll be ready to show your newly restored tooth to the world.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery and aftercare really make or break the long-term success of your dental crown. After getting your crown placed, it's totally normal to feel some sensitivity—especially when you're sipping hot coffee or biting into something cold. This sensitivity usually fades within a few days, but honestly, if it's hanging around longer than that, your dentist might suggest a special toothpaste or mouthwash to help ease things up. To keep your new crown looking and feeling great, you'll want to brush at least twice a day and floss daily—paying extra attention to where the crown meets your gumline. Kind of like giving that area some VIP treatment, you know? This helps get rid of plaque and bacteria, which keeps both your crown and natural teeth happy. A lot of dentists recommend regular check-ups to keep an eye on how your crown's doing and catch any issues before they become real problems.
What you're eating can actually make a big difference in how long your crown lasts. You'll want to avoid chomping down on hard stuff like ice or nuts, and steer clear of sticky treats like caramels—those can really pull at your crown or make it loose. Do you grind or clench your teeth? Definitely let your dentist know about that. These habits can really amp up the pressure on your crown, leading to wear or even damage. Sometimes they'll recommend a custom nightguard to protect your restoration... kind of like a bodyguard for your crown. Depending on what material your crown's made from—porcelain fused to metal, resin, or other options—you're looking at an average lifespan of anywhere from 10 to 15 years, sometimes even more. Over time, you might notice some wear, color changes, or that your crown just feels a bit different.
That's totally normal as your crown ages, and your dentist can let you know if it's time for a replacement. If your crown ever feels loose or—heaven forbid—falls out, get in touch with your dentist's office right away for guidance on what to do next.Dental crowns often work alongside other treatments, like veneers or dental implants, to get your smile's function and looks back on track. Your dentist will help you figure out the best approach for your specific situation, making sure your treatment plan is really tailored to what you need.
By following your dentist's aftercare instructions, keeping up with excellent oral hygiene, and being mindful about what you're eating, you can help make sure your dental crown stays strong and beautiful for years to come. Regular check-ups and staying in touch with your dental team... honestly, that's the best way to protect your investment and keep your smile healthy.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns can provide an impressive number of key oral health benefits such as:
- Enhancing a patient’s appearance as well as their self-image and confidence
- Feeling completely natural for maximum comfort
- Protecting natural teeth from further injury and infection so they can last much longer than they would otherwise
- Concealing cosmetic flaws like chips, cracks, gaps, and stains
- Reinforcing the strength of teeth that are misshapen or compromised by injury or decay
- Matching the appearance of the rest of the patient’s smile so casual observers will not be able to tell that they have crowns at all
With excellent care and maintenance that includes being mindful when chewing, daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental exams, you can keep your dental crowns beautiful and in working order for fifteen years or more.Avoid sticky foods such as caramel, as they can potentially damage your crowns. Additionally, habits like grinding your teeth can increase wear on crowns and should be avoided to prolong their lifespan.