At Kruckman Family Dentistry, we believe in giving you the best service possible so you can have the brightest and healthiest smile ever! When it comes to your teeth, dental surgery, root canals, whitening, and more, our staff knows just what to do to keep them safe. If during your routine cleaning, we suggest that you get a crown, we understand that you may have some questions. We are here today to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about dental crowns and how they work. Read on to learn more!

What is a dental crown?

To answer simply, a dental crown is a cap that is permanently adhered over your tooth and looks like a natural tooth. These crowns are made from ceramics, metals, and porcelains (or a combination of the three) to create the desired fit and look. You can ask the dentist what your crown will be made from if you are curious!

Who needs a dental crown?

Many people need these crowns to protect their teeth, but always for a variety of reasons. A few examples include:

• If you have a tooth that doesn’t match the rest of your teeth, a crown can cover this tooth and even out the appearance of your smile.
• If your tooth has had a root canal, then the risk of this tooth breaking or cracking increases greatly. Placing a dental crown over this tooth can protect it from fracturing or breaking.
• If your tooth has been heavily restored, it is also more likely to break. The dental crown can lengthen your tooth’s lifespan and prevent cracking.

How does the dentist prep my tooth for the crown?

First, the dentist reshapes your tooth to ensure that the crown will fit correctly. We take an impression of your tooth and attach a temporary crown until the permanent one is complete. On your next visit, we attach the actual crown and adjust it to match your bite.

What is a post?

A post is something that acts as a frame for your crown. It’s typically made from plastic or metal, and it is used to support the crown. However, not everyone who needs a crown actually needs a post as well. They are reserved for the teeth that have lost a lot of their structure.

Is there another way to protect my teeth other than a dental crown?

There may be, so don’t hesitate to ask your dentist what they think. However, if a crown comes that highly recommended, then it is best to listen to your dentist’s advice. If a crown will prevent your teeth from cracking in the future, then it becomes an investment in the future health of your teeth, as well as a way to prevent yourself from having to pay more in dental repair later on.

Will I have any pain while my tooth is being prepped for the crown?

Local anesthetics are usually used to prevent you from feeling any different than how you feel when you get a cavity filled. You may not even need anesthetic if you are having a post crown and there is no nerve in the tooth.

Will the crown feel different?

You might find that the crown feels different than your other teeth at first, but after a few days, you won’t notice. If your bit feels off even after a few days, then come back to see us; we can adjust the edges to fit your bite properly.

Contact Us

For the dental surgery and care professionals in Waconia, be sure to call Kruckman Family Dentistry today to schedule your appointment today!