Dental Crowns in Eureka, MO
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that cover missing, damaged or decayed teeth. They restore a tooth’s shape, size, and appearance using various materials. Dental crowns are a viable stronger alternative to fillings.
Eureka Dental Group offers numerous quality dental services for patients across the St. Louis area. Our dental professionals, led by Drs. Wehrmeister and G’Sell, provide the utmost care for patients of all ages. When you visit our office for dental crowns in Eureka, MO, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan for your needs.
Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.
Why Get Dental Crowns?
Teeth suffer damage over time, whether from decay, injury, or typical wear. Our dentists recommend dental crowns to:
- Support a tooth with a large filling and not enough natural structure remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from breaking
- Cover a misshapen or discolored tooth
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Cover a dental implant
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover a tooth following a root canal
Dental Crown Materials
Materials include metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and composite resins. The material you and your dentist choose depends upon four significant factors:
- Position of the gum tissue
- Tooth location and function
- The color or shade of surrounding teeth
- The amount of tooth showing when you smile
Metal Alloys
Several metal alloys, such as palladium, gold, nickel, or chromium, could comprise a dental crown. These materials rarely chip or break because they are durable and last the longest. Additionally, they only require a small amount of natural tooth removal to fit adequately.
Metal alloy crowns can also withstand biting and chewing forces. However, their most considerable disadvantage is their metallic color, making them a good choice for molars.
Porcelain
Porcelain materials provide the best natural tooth color and are perfect for patients allergic to metal. However, they’re not as strong and can wear down the teeth located opposite them in the mouth. Therefore, porcelain crowns are perfect for front teeth with more exposure.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
As the name suggests, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns contain a sturdy metal core and a porcelain exterior. They combine a metal crown’s functionality and an all-porcelain device’s natural tooth aesthetic. However, the metal beneath the porcelain cover sometimes appears as a dark line.
Furthermore, there’s a chance that the porcelain could wear or chip. It can also negatively impact the teeth opposite the crown – particularly those that come into contact with it on the top or bottom when chewing or resting. Since they combine the properties of porcelain and metal, these crowns work for front and back teeth.
Composite Resin
Composite resin crowns are generally the least expensive material. As a result, they’re also the weakest. They can match your surrounding teeth well but are more fragile and prone to chipping. Although they are more likely to wear down over time, they’re a good fit for front and back teeth.
The Dental Crown Procedure
We perform the dental crown placement procedure in two visits:
The First Visit
Our team takes X-rays of the damaged tooth and the surrounding area during your first visit. We may need to perform a root canal to clean the site if the X-ray and examination detect the following:
- Risk of infection
- Tooth decay
- Pulp tissue injury
Next, our team files the tooth across the top and sides to achieve the desired shape. The amount of tooth we file depends on which material crown you receive. Conversely, if you don’t have enough structure to support the crown, we can apply a filling material to strengthen it.
Once we determine that the crown has adequate space to fit comfortably, we take an impression, or mold, of your tooth. We’ll also take impressions of the surrounding teeth so that the crown doesn’t alter your bite.
Next, we send the impressions to a dental laboratory, where they create the permanent crown. This process takes about two weeks to complete. In the meantime, our dentists make a temporary crown for you to protect the prepared tooth. You can expect some sensitivity during this time.
The Second Visit
Once the laboratory sends your permanent crown to our office, you’ll return for a second visit. Our dentist removes the temporary crown during this appointment and places the new device on the prepared area to ensure a comfortable, functional fit.
When we deem the fit and color satisfactory, we will cement the crown to your tooth. We sometimes use a local anesthetic to numb the area if needed. Then, you’re free to flaunt your new smile!
How to Care for Your Dental Crowns
Your dental crown’s lifespan depends on how well you care for it. Crowns can last anywhere from five to 15 years. Although no additional care is necessary, you must maintain proper oral hygiene habits:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing between your teeth daily
- Using mouthwash
- Visiting the dentist every six months for examination and professional cleaning
Additionally, your crown will last longer if you avoid certain habits, such as:
- Chewing ice
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Biting your fingernails
- Using your teeth to open packaging
Get Started With Quality Dental Crowns in Eureka, MO
Sometimes, traditional fillings aren’t enough to solve tooth decay or damage problems. Dental crowns are an excellent way to preserve the shape, size, and appearance of your teeth.
At Eureka Dental Group, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. During your appointment, we’ll assess your tooth structure and recommend dental crowns or a combination of dental procedures in Eureka, MO, to ensure you love your new smile.
Get started with quality dental crowns in Eureka, MO, today by scheduling an appointment! We look forward to assisting you.