A dental crown is custom created natural looking "cap" that is placed over a tooth covering the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or to improve its appearance.
The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
The life span of a crown depends on the amount of "wear and tear" the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits (avoid such habits as grinding or clenching teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packages). Under normal circumstances dental crowns last 5 to 15 + years.
A crowned tooth may not require special care, different from uncrowned natural teeth. Please remember that simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean the underlying tooth is protected from decay or gum disease. Therefore, continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing once a day-especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth and visiting the dentist for your recommended dental examinations and cleaning appointments. Often times, special fluoride solutions may be used at home and during dental visits to help strengthen natural teeth that support your crown.
Call Dr. Thomas Clark's office today to set and appointment.