Convenient Crowns For Teeth in Portland, Maine

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Dental crowns in Portland, ME

When you have a damaged tooth, you need to get it fixed right. Dr. Dan Figueiredo at Thrive Dental Studio offers tooth restoration services, including dental crown treatments. A dental crown, sometimes called a dental cap, covers a damaged tooth and restores its shape and function. Because dental crowns are durable and long-lasting, it remains one of the most popular tooth restoration treatments available.

Who Needs a Dental Crown?

Your dentist may recommend a dental crown if your tooth has one of the following conditions:

  • Your tooth structure is compromised by decay.
  • Your tooth has been weakened due to an injury.
  • A large filling in your tooth is deteriorating.
  • You have recently had a root canal treatment on your tooth.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown?

Crowns are ideal for teeth that are extensively compromised by decay. When other tooth restorations fail, your best option is to get a crown. If your tooth begins to crack, a crown keeps your tooth from further damage.

Dental tooth crowns offer better durability than a large filling. They also are reliable and long-lasting. We typically expect a dental crown to last 8-10 years, but with good home care, crowns often last longer than that.

A crown will prevent teeth from fracturing, which is something a filling does not do. Even though getting a dental crown is more expensive than getting a filling, the expense is offset over time because a crown does so much more than a filling can ever do.

What Different Types of Crowns Are Available?

Crowns for teeth can be made of ceramic, metal, or a combination of the two. A crown is a shell that fits over your damaged tooth. It is not a tooth replacement. The crown protects your tooth and helps it function correctly.

A ceramic crown is tooth-colored. This allows the crown to blend in with your other teeth, creating a uniform, beautiful smile. There are certain situations where a metal crown is needed. Metal crowns are a bit thinner than ceramic crowns, so they may be necessary if there is not much room between teeth. Your dentist will determine which type is best for your unique case.

What Is Involved in the Process of Getting a Dental Cap?

A dental crown procedure usually requires more than one appointment. Your dentist will create a mold of your tooth and send the mold to an outside laboratory that creates dental crowns. The dentist will reduce the surface area of your damaged tooth to remove the decay. Then, he will cover the tooth entirely with the crown, permanently attaching it to your damaged tooth. 

Does it Hurt?

You will be anesthetized, and you will not experience any pain during the procedure. We will make sure you are comfortable throughout the entire process.

How Do You Care for a New Dental Crown?

Immediately after your procedure, avoid eating or drinking until the anesthesia has worn off. We don’t want you to accidentally injure your lips, tongue and cheeks. For the first 24 hours after your crown placement, you should avoid eating hard, chewy, or sticky foods. This allows the adhesive to set properly.

Your gums may be sore for up to three days following the procedure. You can rinse with warm salt water three times per day to help reduce pain and swelling. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever as well, if needed. It is normal for you to experience some sensitivity to pressure, heat and cold in the weeks following your crown placement. This should pass as your mouth adapts to the new restoration.

Your finished crown may feel a bit different from your original tooth. Your tongue may magnify these slight differences, but you will become accustomed to them within a few days.

Daily home care will help your new restoration last a long time. You should resume regular brushing and flossing immediately, to keep the crown and supporting teeth free of plaque buildup and decay. If your bite feels uneven, or if you experience persistent pain or sensitivity after your restoration is placed, you should contact your dentist for assistance.

 

Schedule an Appointment to Talk to Your Dentist About Dental Crowns

Dr. Figueiredo will take the time to fully explain the advantages of dental crowns to you. He will also explain other options available for your damaged tooth. When you are at Thrive Dental Studio, you can count on quality service in a comfortable, low-stress atmosphere. Call us at 207-305-4200 to schedule your appointment now. We are a dental office with a passion for care and convenience.