Dental Crowns

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is also known as a “cap” because it fits over your natural tooth to serve as a barrier between the tooth enamel and harmful bacteria or additional damage. Oftentimes, your dentist in Flint will recommend this type of restorative procedure if you are experiencing one of the following situations:

• Your tooth is severely decayed, and a filling will not suffice
• Your tooth is chipped or broken
• A previous filling has spread and caused damage to the tooth
• Increased discoloration of the tooth
• You recently underwent a root canal or dental implant placement

At Kitt Dental, we can create crowns using natural-looking zirconia or metal. Ultimately, during your consultation with Dr. Kitt, he will recommend which material will be best for your needs based on the type of tooth and its location within your mouth.

The Dental Crown Process

When preparing for a dental crown, you will receive a customized treatment plan from Dr. Kitt, who will perform the procedure. He will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area as well as sedation, if necessary, to ensure you are comfortable throughout the appointment. He will then begin to clear away the damaged or decayed areas of your tooth, being mindful to leave any healthy areas untouched.

Once any remaining debris is cleared, he will fill it using a composite resin to create a tight seal. Using a curing light to harden the resin, he will then begin to “prep” the tooth by filing it down to ensure a proper fit once the crown is put into place. Taking impressions of your tooth, these “blueprints” will then be sent to a dental lab where technicians will fabricate your restoration according to the size, shape, and color specified by Dr. Kitt. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary crown, which you will wear until your finalized one is ready for placement.

After a few weeks, you will return to have your temporary crown removed and your permanent one bonded over your weakened tooth. Not only will this look completely natural among your remaining, healthy teeth, but it will better protect your tooth, giving you the ability to chew and smile with confidence.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?

Some of the great benefits that come with dental crowns in Flint include:

• Enhanced appearance and boosted confidence
• Better protection against future damage or decay
• Are created and placed in just 2-3 dental appointments
• Are strong and durable, and they can last a decade or more with regular care and maintenance
• Are easy to clean and require no special tools or products

Dental Crowns FAQs

Now you have an overview of what dental crowns in Flint are, the process of getting one, and the benefits they come with! With that being said, it’s natural to still have a few questions. To make the research process as efficient as possible, our team at Kitt Dental has taken the time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions from patients. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for or would like to speak with our team directly, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Dental Crown?

From start to finish the process of getting a dental crown takes two appointments spread out over the course of two or three weeks. This gives our dentist in Flint the opportunity to prepare your tooth, send the impressions to the lab, provide you with a temporary crown, and have the meticulously crafted, permanent one ready at your final visit. From there, the function and aesthetic of your tooth will be completely restored!

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Thanks to their high-quality makeup, dental crowns can last 10+ years with proper care! Fortunately, preserving their condition is relatively easy with the below best practices:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss daily
• Visit our team every six months for a professional checkup and cleaning
• Be cautious when eating hard foods that could potentially damage your crown
• Don’t partake in poor dental habits, like using tobacco products

Will My Dental Crown Look Natural?

Absolutely, yes! Although metal dental restorations are effective, they are a bit of an eyesore. Fortunately, tooth-colored dental crowns are just as successful while simultaneously matching the size, shade, and shape of your natural teeth. The result? A new and improved smile that will allow you to chew, speak, and smile confidently again.

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

Unfortunately, there isn’t an all-encompassing answer when it comes to cost. How many you need and whether or not you have dental insurance are just a few factors that need to be considered. That’s why we strongly encourage setting up an appointment for a dental exam. Don’t worry – our prices are always fair, we are happy to work with many of the nation’s leading dental insurance providers, and we go above and beyond to ensure there are no surprises along the way.

What If My Dental Crown Comes Off?

Although dental crowns are built to last, accidents can happen. Priority number one is not to panic. Instead, contact our team right away. From there, we can provide you with instructions on how to place the restoration back onto the tooth, what to do if this isn’t possible, and getting to our office for treatment.

Have you been putting off getting a dental crown? Don’t wait any longer! Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.