What are Dental Crowns?        

A dental crown is a dental implant that covers a tooth after a root canal is performed.

The crown covers and protects the tooth against future damage and decay and replaces the tooth's shape and function. At Whole Dental Wellness in Birmingham and Roseville, dental crowns are made from porcelain or other composite materials. Your crown will look and feel as real as natural teeth.

‍

‍

Dental Crown Procedure      

Once you are numb, one of our dental specialists will reshape your tooth and prepare it for your future crown.

Your crown must fit snugly, so we will use our Omnicam 3D intraoral scanner to create a digital impression of your reshaped tooth. The scan is then sent to a lab for expert dental technicians to build your customized crown. A temporary crown is placed on your tooth before you leave our office.            

You will be able to eat and speak without any difficulty while our lab builds your crown. Your crown is delivered to our office in four to six weeks, and we will schedule a quick 30-minute office visit to fix your crown in place permanently.

Am I a good candidate for a Dental Crown?    

You are a good candidate for a dental crown in the following instances:

• Cracked tooth
  ‍
• Implant replacement
  ‍
• After a root canal procedure
  ‍
• There is a large cavity that a standard filling won't be able to fill properly
  ‍
  

We offer the best dental crowns Birmingham and Roseville have to offer, and your dentist will discuss the procedure during your consultation.

Dental Crown Recovery & Results        

With proper oral hygiene, your crown can last a lifetime.

With proper oral hygiene, your crown can last a lifetime. You are still prone to dental disease, and if you suffer from bone loss, your crown may loosen over time. Add water flossers and an antimicrobial mouth rinse to your oral hygiene routine. During routine dental visits, we will check the health of your crown to keep your smile intact.

Immediately Following Your Procedure        

You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your mouth after the procedure. It is normal to experience some discomfort and sensitivity in the treated area. Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication can be used to manage any pain you may experience. You will be able to eat the same day but should stick to soft foods for the first few days.

Caring for Your Temporary Dental Crown

Caring for your temporary dental crown is important to ensure that it lasts until your permanent crown is ready.

Dos and Don'ts With a Temporary Dental Crown:‍

Do:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions when brushing around the temporary crown.
  ‍
• Be careful when flossing around the temporary crown. Gently guide the floss up and down along each side of the tooth.
  ‍
• Use a Temporary Crown Cement or Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) cement to hold the temporary crown in place if it becomes loose.

Don't:

• Use any type of temporary crown adhesive that is not recommended by your dentist.
  ‍
• Chew gum or eat sticky candy as they can pull at the temporary crown.
  ‍
• Use toothpicks or other objects to clean around the temporary crown, as they can damage it. Opt for a thin floss instead.
  

Maintaining Your Permanent Dental Crown

Once your permanent dental crown is in place, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure its longevity.

A dental crown requires only minimal maintenance. You brush and floss the same as you typically would, so there are no extra steps.

Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. However, your crown may be positioned in a way where it may seem hard to floss. You can purchase thinner floss or ask your dentist for recommendations for that one area. Additionally, you should avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels, as they can damage your dental crown. If your dental crown happens to become loose or falls out,  call your dentist right away. In the meantime, you can try to put it back in place using a temporary dental adhesive or cement that can be purchased over the counter at most drug stores.

‍

What is a Dental Bridge?        

A dental bridge is designed to replace missing teeth. There are two crowns, one on either end; the teeth in between act as a bridge of replacement teeth in the area of your mouth that is missing teeth.

The crowns at the end of the bridge can be attached as a dental implant or fused to existing teeth. Your Birmingham or Roseville dentist will determine your best option for optimal oral care. It is vital the missing teeth receive a replacement to stop other teeth from shifting or the gum tissue from shrinking. If this happens, you can end up with a misaligned bite, additionally missing teeth can lead to other gum diseases or TMJ disorders.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?      

Remember trying to whistle as a kid when you are missing teeth?

It's nearly impossible. If you are missing several teeth, you are a candidate for a dental bridge. The primary function of your teeth is to chew food for proper digestion, but teeth also help you speak and keep your jaw appropriately aligned. Our dental team will meet with you during your consultation to discuss your concerns and assess the severity of tooth loss to determine whether a crown or bridge is your best option.

Schedule your dental crown or dental bridge consultation with Whole Dental Wellness today      

Whole Dental Wellness has been serving families for over 40 years. We want to keep you smiling for a lifetime. If you need a crown or bridge, our dedicated dental specialists will ensure you receive the treatment you need to preserve your smile. Schedule your crown or bridge consultation today. 

Whole Dental Wellness Philosophy        

Our philosophy at Whole Dental Wellness is that we will only suggest a crown or bridge when absolutely necessary.

Crowns and Bridges FAQs

How long does it take to heal from the dental implant?                            

The implant placed for your crown or bridge is surgically fastened to your jawbone below the gum line. Your bone will then fuse around the metal implant and provide the necessary structure for your dental appliance. The healing process is different for each patient, but generally, it takes six to 12 weeks for your gums to heal fully.

How much does it cost for a crown or a bridge?                            

The price of your dental procedure has many variables, such as the number of missing teeth, the type of material chosen for your crown or bridge, and the complexity of your procedure. Your dental team will discuss the cost of your dental procedure.              

Does insurance cover my crown and bridge procedure?                            

We will also work with your insurance provider. If there is a difference between your coverage amount and what you owe, we will inform you about what you owe prior to your procedure.              

Why is it important to have a crown or bridge?                            

Missing a tooth or several teeth will affect your bite and possibly misalign your jaw, which can cause further issues. It's essential to have a crown or bridge affixed to restore your ability to chew food, speak properly and prevent your remaining teeth from moving.