7 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Dental Crown

Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Albuquerque, NM

There are many questions you should ask the dentist before you get fitted with a dental crown. It is always a good idea to go through a dental treatment with all the information you need. You should know why the dentist chose a dental crown over other restoration methods, and you should also learn about each step of the dental treatment.

You should ask questions before you get a crown, if only for your peace of mind. Here are some questions you should ask your dentist:

Commonly asked questions about dental crowns

1. What is a dental crown and why is it the best option?

Dental crowns are permanent restorations used to reinforce teeth that are severely damaged — but not so damaged that tooth extraction is the only solution.

Are there alternatives to dental crowns? It depends on why a person needs one. If the crown is to be used to restore a damaged tooth, then alternatives like onlays, inlays and dental fillings simply will not get the job done.

If the crown is to be used for purely cosmetic purposes, then a dentist may suggest other options. The dentist will probably say that veneers or dental bonding are alternative ways to cover up imperfections. The dentist will also tell the patient that crowns are a more permanent treatment that can also conceal damage that is too severe to be covered up by other cosmetic treatments.

2. When is a particular patient a good candidate?

A patient is a good candidate for a dental crown when the crown is the only thing that can prevent a tooth extraction, meaning that a less invasive treatment simply will not work. It should also be noted that there is no tooth restoration more permanent than a dental crown.

3. How is a crown placed?

The whole process takes two dental procedures that are spaced over one or two weeks. On the first dental visit, the dentist examines the patient's teeth and gums to determine the best way to restore the tooth.

After the dentist and patient agree on a dental crown, the dentist cleans the problem tooth and prepares it by abrading its enamel to allow the crown to easily stick to the tooth. They take an impression of the teeth and send the mold to a dental lab, where it is used to fabricate the crown.

The patient is then fitted with a temporary crown, which covers the tooth until the second visit. On the second visit, the temporary crown is removed. After the tooth is cleaned, the permanent crown is bonded onto the tooth with dental cement. Some dentists can make dental crowns right in their offices, which means that they fit dental crowns in a single visit.

4. Does it hurt?

No. Anesthetic is used to numb the tooth before each procedure. A person may feel mild discomfort and sensitivity after the anesthetic wears off, but the discomfort is easily managed with prescription or over the counter painkillers.

5. Are there some before and after photos?

It is important for a patient to feel comfortable with the dentist they choose. That is why it is perfectly fine to ask for a portfolio of the dentist's work. A person can also ask for a computer simulation of what their smile would look like after a dental crown is placed.

6. How long do crowns last?

Dental crowns are a permanent dental restoration and as such, they can last up to 25 years with good oral habits.

7. What are the benefits and risks of a dental crown?

Dental crowns are a good option because:

  • They strengthen and protect badly damaged teeth that cannot be restored in any other way
  • They are permanent restorations that rarely come loose
  • They are effective cosmetic treatments

The risks and drawbacks of dental crowns are:

  • A layer of the tooth’s enamel must be filed away in preparation for the crown
  • There is a risk of the temporary crown coming loose before the permanent one is fitted
  • Depending on the material it is made of, a crown can cause an allergic reaction

The dentist is happy to help

To make you feel at ease, the dentist will answer any questions you have about dental crowns. Do not hesitate to ask questions — it is your tooth that is getting treated after all.

Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

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