Deciding how to fix a broken or painful tooth can feel overwhelming at first. When people look into getting dental crowns in Kelowna, they are usually trying to save a tooth that has been weakened by a large cavity or a crack. A crown is a custom-fitted cap that sits over your natural tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength.
While these “tooth hats” are very common, it is helpful to look at both the good and the bad before you sit in the chair. Every dental treatment has a balance of benefits and things you should consider before moving forward.
The Advantages of Choosing a Crown
The biggest reason people choose this path is to keep their natural tooth instead of pulling it out. Keeping your original tooth root helps maintain the health of your jawbone and keeps your other teeth from shifting around.
- Strength and Support: A crown holds a fragile tooth together, preventing it from snapping or crumbling when you eat crunchy foods.
- Natural Appearance: Modern materials like porcelain can be matched to the exact colour of your other teeth, so nobody will notice you have one.
- Long-Term Fix: Unlike a filling that might fall out if it gets too big, a crown is cemented permanently and can last for decades.
- Fixed Shape: If a tooth is misshapen or very small, a crown can make it look perfect and uniform with the rest of your smile.
The Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Even though crowns are helpful, there are a few details that might make a person hesitate. It is a big commitment because the process cannot be undone once it starts.
- Removing Enamel: To make the crown fit, the dentist must shave down some of the natural tooth. Once that enamel is gone, that tooth will always need a crown to stay protected.
- Sensitivity: Some people notice that their tooth feels a bit more sensitive to hot or cold drinks for a few weeks after the procedure.
- Possible Chipping: While rare, porcelain crowns can sometimes chip if you bite down on something extremely hard, like ice or a metal pen.
- Gingival Issues: If the crown isn’t kept very clean, bacteria can hide right where the cap meets the gum line, leading to irritation.
Understanding the Crown Procedure Steps
Knowing the crown procedure steps helps take away the mystery of what happens at the clinic. Usually, it takes two separate visits to get the job done right.
- Preparation: The dentist numbs the area and shapes the tooth so the crown can slide over it like a glove.
- The Mould: An impression or a digital scan is taken so a lab can build a crown that fits your bite perfectly.
- The Temporary: You get a plastic “practice” crown to wear for a week or two while the real one is being made.
- The Final Fit: On the second visit, the dentist checks the colour and shape before using strong glue to bond the permanent crown in place.
Finding Skilled Dental Care Nearby
Choosing a skilled dentist near you is important because the fit of the crown determines how long it will last. If a crown is even a tiny bit too high or too loose, it can cause jaw pain or let bacteria sneak underneath. A professional will spend extra time making sure your top and bottom teeth meet exactly right so your bite feels natural.
Managing the Dental Crown Costs
Many families think about the dental crown costs when looking at their budget. While a crown costs more than a simple silver or white filling, it is often more affordable than having to pay for a dental implant or a bridge later on if the tooth breaks completely.
- Insurance: Many dental plans cover about half the cost of a crown because it is considered a necessary health repair.
- Material Choice: Metal crowns are often cheaper but visible, while all-porcelain crowns cost more but look just like a real tooth.
- Long-Term Savings: Investing in a crown now prevents the need for emergency extractions or more painful surgeries down the road.
Protecting Your Smile for the Future
Deciding to protect a tooth with a crown is a smart move for your future oral health. By strengthening a weak tooth now, you ensure that you can continue to eat your favourite foods and smile with confidence. At Mission Park Dental, our goal is to provide gentle care and high-quality restorations that feel just like your natural teeth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
The process is very similar to getting a filling. The dentist uses numbing medicine so you won’t feel anything while they are working. Your gums might be a little sore for a day or two afterward, but it’s usually very easy to manage.
Can I eat normally with a crown?
Yes! Once the permanent glue has dried, you can eat almost anything. However, it is always a good idea to avoid chewing on very sticky candy or ice, as these can occasionally pull a crown loose or crack the porcelain.
How do I clean a tooth that has a crown?
You brush and floss it just like a normal tooth! The most important part is to floss right at the gum line to make sure no food is stuck where the crown meets the tooth.
What happens if my crown falls off?
Don’t panic! Keep the crown in a safe place and call your dentist. Often, they can clean the tooth and glue the same crown back on as long as the tooth underneath is still healthy.