When do dental crowns need to be replaced? All dental crowns will eventually require a replacement. The primary reason for replacing a dental crown is that it simply falls out. However, there are other less obvious reasons for replacement. Wear and tear, pain, swelling, or bleeding around the tooth, or even just old crown material are all reasons to have the physical condition of your dental crown inspected.

It is always better to replace your Tulsa dental crown at the first sign of damage or deterioration. Delaying the process can cause your dental crown to fall out before it can be replaced. This creates an emergency situation which also costs the patient more money as well as a higher level of discomfort. Regular visits to your Tulsa dentist are the best way to keep an eye on the condition of your dental crown.

Why Are Dental Crowns Important?

Tulsa dental crowns are used for a variety of reasons. A few of the most common uses for dental crowns are listed below: 

• Repair a broken tooth
• Prevent further damage to a tooth
• Create an anchor for dental bridges 
• Improve the aesthetic appeal of a smile

The primary purpose of a dental crown is to repair or replace a broken or damaged tooth. By doing so, they allow an individual to have a beautiful and healthy smile despite various dental problems.

The Longevity of Dental Crowns

There are many factors that impact the average longevity of a dental crown. For instance, a patient with poor dental hygiene will experience a shorter lifespan of the dental crown due to their habits. In addition to personal habits, the material which is used to make the dental crown will also impact how long the individual will be able to keep it until it must be replaced.

Traditional Dental Crowns

Traditional Tulsa dental crowns are typically made out of stainless steel, metal alloys, porcelain, ceramic, or resin. The type of dental crown material your dentist uses will be based both on their preference as well as the unique needs of your situation. Traditional dental crowns last anywhere between five to fifteen years before requiring a replacement.

CEREC Dental Crowns

Many dental practices including The Dental Studio of South Tulsa have introduced a type of crown known as a CEREC Crown. This type of dental crown is specifically designed using ceramic material that is incredibly strong. In addition to its strength, a CEREC crown is also designed to be compatible with the natural tissue found in your mouth. Because of this, the potential for negative responses or complications is greatly decreased.

CEREC dental crowns are often a more long-lasting alternative compared to a traditional dental crown. However, like traditional options, CEREC crowns will eventually require a replacement as well. 

Warning Signs of Bad Dental Crowns

As with many things, it is always easier to replace a dental crown when it is on your timeline. An emergency crown replacement can create additional cost, discomfort, and frustration. Because of this, it is important that both you and your Tulsa dentist are keeping an eye on the condition of your dental crown.

There are many warning signs that your dental crown will soon need to be replaced. Unfortunately, many people will not pay attention to their dental crown until it falls out of their mouth completely. As discussed before, this is not only embarrassing and uncomfortable but also expensive.

Excessive Wear and Tear

A dental crown takes the place of your natural tooth. Because of this, it is susceptible to normal wear and tear that takes place. Certain types of food and drink and bad oral hygiene often impact a dental crown the most. However, bad habits such as regular teeth grinding can also greatly decrease the longevity of any type of dental crown.

Pain, Swelling, or Bleeding

Any sign of pain, swelling, or bleeding in the location of your dental crown is a huge warning sign that the crown requires a replacement. A dental crown that is beginning to break down or shift in placement can cause discomfort and disruption to the surrounding teeth and gums. This is oftentimes one of the first visible signs to an untrained eye.

Age of The Dental Crown

It is always wise to keep a mental note of how old your dental crown is. If you are lucky enough to keep your dental crown in good repair for over ten years, it may be time for a replacement! The old dental crown material can cause issues for the tooth or the surrounding teeth. Because of this, age is another factor to keep in mind while debating a replacement dental crown. 

Finding a Tulsa Dentist to Replace Dental Crowns

When you have a dental crown, it is important to work with a Tulsa dentist who specializes in this area. The Dental Studio of South Tulsa provides its patients with advanced dental technology. This enables them to replace dental crowns in a way that is both efficient and effective. Additionally, their advanced tools and technology eliminate much of the pain and inconvenience associated with a dental crown replacement.

By watching for the warning signs of a failing dental crown, you can plan to replace your dental crown when it is convenient for you. Visiting The Dental Studio of South Tulsa for your bi-annual teeth cleanings and exams is one of the best ways to keep an eye on the quality of your existing dental crowns.

The Dental Studio of South Tulsa is proud to specialize in CEREC Dental Crowns. Contact the office today using the information found at this link to schedule a consult and asses the quality of your dental crown!

The post When Do Dental Crowns Need To Be Replaced? first appeared on The Dental Studio of South Tulsa.

The post When Do Dental Crowns Need To Be Replaced? appeared first on The Dental Studio of South Tulsa.

However, in many cases such as dental crown procedures, the stigma is based on rumors and not reality. Tulsa dental crowns, like many other dental procedures, are an easy fix for a common dental ailment.

So, what are dental crowns for anyways? Dental crowns are used in any instance where a tooth’s structure or integrity is compromised by injury or illness. Dental crowns can also be a cosmetic fix for a tooth or several teeth that lack the shape, color, or overall appearance you desire. This includes situations such as the following:

• Large dental cavities

• A cracked or worn-down tooth

• A tooth requiring a root canal

• Cosmetic imperfections such as staining, etc.

As you can see, dental crowns are a common fix for many routine dental ailments. Whether used for cosmetic or structural purposes, a dental crown can restore a bright, healthy smile to any dental patient. Keep reading to learn more about dental crowns, how they are made, and other interesting information that is of great value to any patient interested in receiving a dental crown.

Purpose of Dental Crowns

As we mentioned above, the purpose of dental crowns is to correct any cosmetic or structural imperfections with a tooth or even several teeth. A crown adds both aesthetic appeal to the smile as well as strength and substance to a broken tooth.

In its essence, a dental crown is a cap that is placed over the existing tooth to improve it’s size, shape, or appearance. Additionally, a dental crown can strengthen a tooth and its ability to function as it should. 

How Are Dental Crowns Made?

There are a variety of materials that comprise dental crowns. These may including the following:

• Metal alloys
• Porcelain
• Ceramics
• Composite Resin

No matter what type of material is used to create a dental crown, the goal is typically to match the crown to the natural tooth. Your dentist may have a material that they prefer to use for dental crowns. However, many times, the type of material used for your dental crown depends greatly on your unique situation.

Factors such as the purpose of the dental crown, the health of the existing tooth, the location of the Tulsa dental crown, your preference, and even your budget will be taken into account during this process.

Once your dentist determines which material they will use for your dental crown, the process can begin. To make a dental crown that matches your natural tooth, an impression will be taken of the existing tooth. This ensures that your new dental crown is both aesthetically pleasing as well as comfortable.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

There are many benefits of dental crowns. As discussed above, a dental crown can improve the structural integrity and function of your tooth. This routine procedure can prevent further damage or decay to the surrounding teeth.

In addition to the functional benefits, dental crowns can add to your beautiful, healthy smile. When used for cosmetic reasons, dental crowns can replace teeth that are misshapen, discolored, or otherwise problematic.

What is the Dental Crown Procedure?

The procedure for receiving a dental crown is routine. After deciding which type of material is best for your dental crown, your dentist will prepare your existing tooth. This process could include removing any decay from the surface, repairing the core of the tooth if it has damage, and removing the outer portion of your tooth to accommodate for the crown.

Your dentist will make an impression of the location to ensure that your Tulsa dental crown fits properly, creating a beautiful, comfortable finish. This impression is sometimes made with a mold. However, digital molds have become much more common in dental practices across the country. 

Depending on your dentist’s office and the situation surrounding your dental crown procedure, you may receive a temporary crown while you wait for your permanent crown to be complete. Many dental practices, however, are using technology that enables this process to be completed in one day, alleviating frustrating wait times. This is called a CEREC Crown service and is becoming increasingly popular amongst dental practices across the country.

When your permanent crown is complete, the dentist will install it in its location. After it is in place, they will ensure that it is comfortable and looks natural. After the procedure is complete, you will once again have a  healthy, happy smile. With proper dental care techniques, your dental crown will last years.

Are Dental Crowns Painful?

Many people are afraid of the dental crown procedure. However, the stigma surrounding this procedure is mostly based on myths. Although any dental procedure can have some level of discomfort, the dental crown procedure should not cause pain. Especially when the need for a temporary crown is eliminated, the process is relatively quick and easy.

Alternatives to Dental Crowns

There are a few alternatives to dental crowns. However, depending on your unique situation, a dental crown may be the best solution to your ailment. Your dentist will be able to advise you on which procedure is right for you. 

Fillings

Dental fillings can sometimes repair a tooth that has cracks or other damage. Although this procedure is much less involved, it is only a temporary fix. Most patients will require the placement of a dental crown eventually which can end up causing them greater discomfort in the long-run.

Teeth Whitening

When the primary purpose of a dental crown is cosmetic, there are other alternative services. For example, teeth whitening is a professional service that many dental practices offer that can provide a boost to the aesthetic appeal of the smile for a temporary period. Dental crowns are a much longer-lasting solution if the cosmetic state of your smile is less than ideal.

Dental Crowns in Tulsa

If you are in need of a dental crown, it is important to find a dentist in Tulsa that specializes in this service. Working with a dental practice that offers  CEREC Dental Crowns can cut down on both cost and discomfort during the dental crown procedure. Contact The Dental Studio of South Tulsa for more information on dental crowns or other dentistry services! 

The post What Are Dental Crowns For? first appeared on The Dental Studio of South Tulsa.

The post What Are Dental Crowns For? appeared first on The Dental Studio of South Tulsa.

What exactly are CEREC crowns? CEREC dental crowns are used to repair and restore damaged or weakened teeth. These crowns are metal-free and made out of a high-quality ceramic material. CEREC crowns are stronger and more natural-looking than traditional dental crowns.

It is often intimidating to opt for a procedure that is still relatively new to the dental world. However, after reading this complete guide, you will be fully confident that CEREC crowns are a much better alternative to traditional dental crowns.

What Are CEREC Crowns?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economic Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. That is a fancy way to describe just how CEREC crowns came to be. CEREC crowns are designed from a high-quality ceramic material that is incredibly strong and natural-looking. The procedure itself is concise and effective. 

Preparation for CEREC Crowns

Upon arrival at the Tulsa dentist’s office for a CEREC crown procedure, you will have pictures taken of the tooth or teeth in need of repair. These pictures are taken using a specific digital camera. Once the pictures have been captured, they will be sent to CEREC’s 3D imaging software where they are used to create a model of your tooth. (Yes, this means no more messy impressions!)

The 3D model of your tooth is then used to create your CEREC crown right in the dentist’s office. A machine will use the model to create your new ceramic dental crown. This portion of the process is incredibly efficient and only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

The CEREC Crown Procedure

Once the 3D tooth has been created from high-quality ceramic material, it is placed in your mouth just like a traditional dental crown. This tooth is now your permanent crown. No need for a followup appointment or pesky temporary crown!

You will be out of the dentist’s chair and back to your life in a matter of just a few hours.  CEREC crowns are revolutionizing the dental industry with their efficient and precise procedure. They eliminate much of the discomfort of a traditional dental crown while saving you both time and money! 

Purpose of CEREC Crowns

CEREC crowns are used for a variety of circumstances. The most common use for a CEREC crown is to repair or restore a damaged tooth. Your dentist may suggest a CEREC crown if you have a traditional crown that seems to be failing or falling apart. 

Many people are also concerned about the potentially harmful metals that are used in the creation of traditional dental crowns. For this reason, they choose to replace all of their existing metal crowns with CEREC’s ceramic dental crowns.

Benefits of CEREC Crowns

The benefits of CEREC dental crowns are many. From the actual dental procedure to the final results, CEREC crowns prove to be raising the bar for every type of dental procedure.

Time

Time is our most valuable asset. However, visits to the dentist’s office, especially for an extensive procedure, can eat up hours of our week. CEREC crowns have changed that for the better. Because all of the prep work can be done right in the dentist’s office, the procedure is completed in just one visit!

There is no need for a followup visit simply to go through the added pain of replacing a temporary crown with a permanent one. Use your valuable time for something more fun than sitting in a dentist’s chair!

Permanent

One of the most frustrating facts about traditional dental crowns is the fact that the first crown you receive is only temporary! Temporary dental crowns are known to be extremely fragile as well as uncomfortable.

In addition to these negative factors, temporary crowns make it necessary to go through the discomfort of two dental procedures. CEREC crowns save you this inconvenience. The CEREC crown that you receive on your visit to the dentist’s office is entirely permanent and the process is completed in just a few hours.

Longevity

CEREC crowns last an average of 10-15 years. However, with proper care, they can last much longer! CEREC crowns are an investment in your future. The natural-looking ceramic material will continue to provide a beautiful and healthy smile many years down the road.

Investment

Although CEREC crowns can appear to be a bit of an investment, it may actually save you money in the long run! CEREC crowns are completed in a single office visit meaning you only pay for one procedure. They are also known to last longer than traditional dental crowns meaning you won’t have to pay to have your crown repaired a few years down the road as you might with a different type of crown.

CEREC Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns

There are many benefits to choosing CEREC crowns. However, how do they compare to traditional dental crowns? As with anything, everyone has different needs when it comes to their dental care. In the end, choosing the right type of dental crown for your situation is more important than which type of crown that ends up being. Having all the information is crucial to making the correct decision.

Time

CEREC crowns are completed in a single procedure that lasts only a few hours. On the other hand, traditional crowns require several visits to the dentist’s office. During this time you will receive a temporary crown while your impressions are sent to a lab for the creation of your permanent crown.

Once your permanent crown is sent back to the dentist’s office, you will have to go to an additional appointment so that your permanent crown can be placed.

Investment

Traditional dental crowns are still very popular. This is due to the fact that they are much cheaper. However, at the end of the day, you may actually save money by choosing to pursue CEREC dental crowns!

The numerous dental visits required to complete a traditional crown add up and may end up costing you more money than a single visit for the CEREC crown procedure would have. It’s important to consider both options in their entirety when determining which dental crown procedure is right for you.

Efficacy

CEREC crowns do have many benefits. However, traditional dental crowns are still just as effective in repairing your damaged teeth! Although they come with their share of inconvenience, a traditional crown is still extremely beneficial in situations where the tooth has begun to decay. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of both types of crowns with your local dentist. They will be able to suggest which alternative is best for your individual mouth and the situation in which you find yourself.

Precision

Simply put, CEREC crowns are much more precise than traditional dental crowns. The creation process for traditional crowns involves dental impression material which can shift or cause fitting problems. CEREC crowns use digital imaging to create a 3D mold of your tooth. This allows your new crown to be an exact replication and fit comfortably in your mouth.

Final Thoughts

Being told that you require a dental crown is not a fun experience for anyone. However, CEREC crowns have changed the procedure for the better. They have solved many of the common problems that both dentists and patients have with traditional dental crowns. A quicker, more comfortable procedure that saves you both time and money makes your dental crown experience much more pleasant. 

Talk to your local Tulsa dentist to determine if CEREC dental crowns are right for you. Strong, healthy, and beautiful teeth are within your reach!

Related Questions

What happens if my crown falls off? Although it is not a complete dental emergency, a damaged crown should be addressed in a timely manner. Avoid damaging the tooth by eating soft foods. Call your dentist immediately to explain the situation and book an appointment as soon as possible.

If you are able, keep the crown that has fallen out. Bring the crown with you to your dentist appointment as it may help them to assess the cause of this problem. You may also need to obtain dental cement or wax from the drugstore to cover the damaged tooth until you can visit your dentist.

Should you brush your teeth if you have a temporary crown? Although temporary dental crowns are fragile, they should never be neglected. While you have a temporary crown, gently brush around all sides of the tooth (including the gums). It is still necessary to floss. 

However, avoid pulling the floss directly up the sides of the tooth. Instead, slide the floss out to the side to avoid pulling your temporary crown off. You also need to avoid crunchy, sticky, or hard foods while you have a temporary dental crown. These types of foods can cause damage and even pain in the affected area. CEREC crowns will help you to avoid these potential issues. Learn more about the proper toothbrushing technique here.

The post What Are CEREC Crowns? Complete Guide first appeared on The Dental Studio of South Tulsa.

The post What Are CEREC Crowns? Complete Guide appeared first on The Dental Studio of South Tulsa.

A dental crown sometimes called a dental cap, is a dental restoration process which completely caps a tooth. Crowns are often used when a large cavity threatens the future health of a tooth. Dental crowns are typically bonded to the tooth using dental cement. Tulsa dental crowns are made from many materials which are usually fabricated using an indirect method. Tulsa dental crowns improve the strength or appearance of one’s tooth and also benefit the dental health of the patient.

Methods of Implanting Tulsa Dental Crowns

The most common method of crowning a tooth involves using a dental impression of a prepared tooth by a dentist. This method requires strong materials that take time to fabricate. The fabrication behind these Tulsa dental crowns requires intense heat, such as casting metal or firing porcelain, which could not be possible to complete inside one’s mouth. As new technology in material science evolves, computers are quickly becoming a part of Tulsa Dental Crowns fabrication, such as in CAD/CAM dentistry.

Uses for Dental Crowns

Typically, Tulsa dental crowns are used for the following:

• Restore the form, function, and appearance of broken or fractured teeth where other simpler forms of restorations are unsuitable.
• Improve the aesthetics of unsightly teeth
• Maintain the structural stability and reduce the risk of fractures of extensively restored teeth.

There is no strong evidence that crowns are better than other routine restorations to restore root-filled or root-canaled teeth. However, dentists always use their clinical experience while helping a patient decide on the procedure with which they wish to restore their teeth.

Material Used to Build Tulsa Dental Crowns

Often, the material used in dental crowns is either metal or ceramic. The price will vary depending on the availability of the alloy chosen, as well as cost of handling, its physical properties, and the biocompatibility.

For those willing to pay a higher cost for their Tulsa Dental Crowns, they can choose a crown based on alloys of gold. Alloys of gold are metals like copper, platinum, palladium, zinc, indium, and nickel. Gold itself, in its purest form, is too soft and lacks mechanical strength. The other alloys provide better strength as well as biocompatibility. However, there are other options.

Tulsa Dental Crowns can be made out of full ceramic. Dental ceramics or porcelains are typically used for their esthetic properties compared to metal restorations. These materials are generally quite brittle and are prone to fracture.