What are crowns typically used for?
– Repairing a worn down or broken tooth
– Capping a tooth that has undergone a root canal
– Connected to a bridge to replace a missing tooth
– Replacing a missing tooth on an implant
– Covering stained or discolored teeth
– Protecting a decay and/or damage prone tooth
– Closing small gaps and fixing small alignment issues
What is the average life span of a crown?
Generally speaking, crowns last for up to fifteen years with hard wear. But they can last a lifetime with proper care. Zirconia crowns or full gold/metal crown will last the longest. Crowns need to be replaced when they have chipped or broken, though most crown failures are caused by other issues such as decay of the tooth under the crown or by gum disease. Proper oral hygiene is important in maintaining crowns.
Does the tooth preparation for a crown hurt?
The prep work often causes tooth sensitivity and some soreness but typically very little, if any, pain. It largely depends on the patient, how close to the surface of the tooth the nerve is, and other factors. Local anesthetics are given to numb the tooth nerves and surrounding area during preparation.
Will the crown match the rest of my teeth?
Yes, as closely as possible. As part of the crown preparation process, your dentist will color-match your new crowns to the surrounding teeth so they blend in naturally. If you wish to have your teeth whitened, this is done prior to color matching and preparing the crowns so that the crown will match your new, whiter smile.
Can I opt for teeth whitening after I get my crown?
Crowns cannot be laser whitened so it is advised to have the whitening procedure done prior to getting your crown. If your existing crowns are very old and discolored, they will need to be replaced if you wish to improve their appearance.