Dental Crowns – Wheaton, IL
Repair Your Tooth Today
Your teeth are protected by the hardest substance in your body, but your enamel isn’t indestructible. If a tooth has suffered significant damage, such as from decay or trauma, Dr. Lam can save your smile with custom-made restorations. Dental crowns in Wheaton are versatile, allowing them to offer preventive, restorative, and cosmetic benefits. Dr. Lam will create the high-quality crown you need to invest in a healthy, beautiful smile.
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a customized cap that’s placed over the entire surface of a tooth visible above the gum line. Modern restorations are made of all-ceramic material to look like a real tooth. You won’t have to worry about a dark restoration blemishing your smile while enjoying the same durability. A crown can be used alone or along with other treatments. Your dentist in Wheaton, Dr. Lam, may recommend one for several reasons, such as:
- Protect a weakened tooth
- Repair chips or cracks
- Treat large areas of decay
- Improve an unattractive tooth
- After a root canal
- Along with a dental bridge
Although crowns are the most widely performed restorative treatment, they are only recommended when there aren’t any other options because you’ll have to alter your tooth permanently. Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy a lasting solution for long-term results.
The Dental Crown Process
You’ll need an initial consultation for a crown to establish a personalized treatment plan, which will occur in 2 phases. During your first appointment, any preparatory work is performed, like a root canal. Your tooth will also be reshaped to allow the crown to fit over it. Dr. Lam uses an advanced impression system to get the exact measurements necessary to create your crown. The impression is sent to the dental lab, where they will create your restoration from all-ceramic material. It will be carefully crafted to meet your specifications, which can take a couple of weeks. As a result, you’ll need a temporary crown to protect your tooth while you wait.
Once the dental lab has sent your restoration back to our office, you’ll return to have your temporary crown removed. Your tooth will be cleaned before your permanent crown is bonded to your tooth. You’ll walk out of our office with a high-quality restoration that looks like a real tooth.
Your crown can last for a decade or longer with a commitment to your oral health. Besides brushing and flossing, don’t forget to schedule a cleaning and checkup twice per year.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Crowns are a tried-and-proven solution to preserve natural teeth. They offer several advantages, including:
- Protect the integrity of a tooth
- Prevent additional damage
- Improve the function of a tooth
- Made from metal-free materials
- Durable to last for an average of 10 years
- Personalized fit for comfort and function
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you need a dental crown, we can restore your smile using the latest techniques and technologies in dentistry. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for a metal-free crown.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Plenty of people wonder whether their dental crowns are a permanent fixture. While they won’t last forever, they’re considered a long-term solution that can protect your tooth and restore its functionality for 15+ years with the right care. It’s possible, however, that you may need to repair or replace yours sooner than that if they sustain any damage.
To place your dental crown, Dr. Lam will have to remove some of the enamel from your tooth. This creates a perfectly even restoration that doesn’t stand out from its neighboring teeth. Because this layer doesn’t grow back, though, it’s considered an irreversible change. You’ll need to have something in place to keep it safe.
How Do I Know When My Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
The only way to be certain whether you need a new dental crown is to visit us for an examination. Dr. Lam has the experience and training to spot the warning signs that it’s approaching the end of its time. Some potential indicators can include:
- If your repair starts to feel loose, particularly when chewing something sticky, then it’s time to schedule an appointment.
- You may experience discomfort if the underlying tooth begins to decay. In these circumstances, we’ll remove it, treat the cavity, and then evaluate whether the restoration can be reattached or if a new one is required.
- Visible wear-and-tear. If your cap becomes chipped, broken, or stained then you might start to feel self-conscious about your smile. Give us a call and we’re happy to help you replace it to enhance your appearance.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
We know you might worry that your procedure will be painful and want to set your mind at ease. Typically, a topical anesthetic can sufficiently alleviate any potential pain during the process. Though you might feel some pressure while your dentist works, you shouldn’t be uncomfortable.
It’s normal to experience some sensitivity for a few days after your enamel is removed, but it usually dissipates quickly. Usually, it’s safe to take over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen to address any discomfort.
What Can I Eat with a Temporary Crown?
To protect your vulnerable tooth while your dental crown is created, we’ll provide you with a temporary one in the meantime. Having it in place allows you to speak and eat more comfortably, but you’ll want to avoid biting certain foods until your permanent restoration arrives. There are some common culprits known to damage, loosen, or dislodge this short-term solution, so try to steer clear of:
- Hard or chewy breads and bagels.
- Tough meats like steak.
- Corn on the cob.
- Popcorn and nuts.
- Sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum.
- Hard candies.
- Inanimate objects like ice or pen caps.