Dental Crowns
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom made cap or helmet that is placed over a damaged or compromised tooth to offer structural support and protection. In addition to the below list, crowns can also be used to top off a dental implant, or for cosmetic purposes to improve a tooth’s appearance.
You may need a dental crown if you have any of the following:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- A heavily decayed tooth
- A dental implant
- A root canal treatment
- A dental bridge
At Lexington Dental, our experienced dentists have successfully fitted many dental crowns to restore teeth and smiles. We use only the best quality materials, technologies, tools and techniques to offer you the best results possible and an exceptional patient experience.
What happens during a dental crown procedure?
A dental crown procedure usually takes two dental appointments. The procedure can look a little different from one patient to the next, however, here is generally what to expect:
Your first appointment
Your dentist uses local anaesthetic to numb the area before preparing your tooth. This preparation is necessary to make room for the crown to fit over it comfortably. Then we take an intraoral scan of your tooth and send it off to a special lab where your dental crown is custom made. This usually takes two weeks. So, we give you a temporary crown in the meantime, to protect your tooth and keep you comfortable.
Your second appointment
At your second appointment, your temporary crown is removed and your new one is fitted. We make sure the colour, shape and size are correct before bonding it in place. Once the crown is fitted we make sure your bite is perfect and provide you with aftercare advice to get the best life out of your new crown.
High-quality dental crowns Bella Vista
How long do dental crowns last?
The length of time a dental crown lasts depends on the material it is made from and how well you care for it. Crowns made from gold or metal typically last the longest- up to 20 years. However, they cannot be colour matched to your existing teeth so may not be so popular for front teeth.
Porcelain and resin crowns are not quite as strong but still last for many years. They can also be colour matched to your natural teeth making them a popular choice. Here are some ways to protect your crown and get the best possible service life out of it:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for a full two minutes
- Floss once a day
- Use a fluoride-based toothpaste
- Limit the amount of sugary food and drink you consume
- Be mindful when eating or chewing hard foods
- Do not use your teeth to open bottles or packaging
- Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sport
Why choose us?
We continuously strive to provide the best possible dental service in Bella Vista. We use only the latest dental technology and equipment and our team of dedicated dentists undergo continuous education to deliver exceptional patient care, consistently. At Lexington Dental, we deliver personalised dental care that is tailored to your smile goals. We’re passionate about what we do, and thrive on caring for our patients in the Bella Vista community and surroundings.
