Questions About Dental Crowns
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a cover for the outside of a tooth. It restores a damaged tooth, prolongs its life, and preserves its interior. When made of dental porcelain, a crown cannot be distinguished from a natural tooth.
Why would I need dental crowns?
When a tooth is too severely decayed or damaged to be effectively repaired by a filling, a crowns is used to protect and preserve it. The alternative would be to extract it and give you an artificial tooth to fill the gap. That would involve a bridge or a dental implant, both more extensive treatments than a crown.
How do I know whether a crown is a better choice than fillings, veneers or dental implants?
Bonding and porcelain inlays are used to fill relatively small areas of decay. A porcelain onlay repairs more extensive decay and provides a new partial tooth surface. Veneers cover the front tooth surface for cosmetic enhancement rather than for tooth preservation or repair of severe damage.
Dental implants are used when the tooth must be removed entirely. Dr. Kleive will be able to determine if your tooth is strong enough to preserve and he will suggest one of these less invasive solutions or a crown, and will explain why one would be a better option than another.
Why did my old crown come loose and could that happen again?
A crown that is poorly crafted or inadequately bonded to the tooth can come loose, allowing bacteria to spread beneath it. It can pop off while you are flossing or eating. An old crown will eventually loosen and come off also and will need reattachment or replacement.
A combination of today’s state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Kleive’s advanced training, and the personal attention of our dental ceramist Mr. Dave Chermak means that your crown will fit perfectly, be professionally attached to the tooth, and be long lasting.
Will my crown look and feel like my natural tooth?
Yes. An all-porcelain crown cannot be distinguished from a natural tooth except by a dentist. Your new crown will allow you to eat your favorite foods in comfort. If you give it the same daily dental care and regular check-ups you give to your natural teeth, it will last you for decades.
You can talk to Dr. Kleive about dental crowns during your free initial consultation. Please call or email us today to schedule your appointment in the St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota area.
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