Dental Crowns

Dental crowns have come a long way since being introduced to the industry decades ago. Today, a new generation of fine-grade porcelain gives crowns the incredible look of real teeth. Our team at Avue Cosmetic Dentistry uses dental crowns for a variety of cosmetic and restorative purposes.

For example, dental crowns are commonly used to provide additional support to damaged teeth or even to cover up dental flaws, such as unsightly teeth. Dr. Nguyen uses newer, stronger materials that eliminate the need for metal underlayers that, in the past, might cast a noticeable dark shadow under the gum line. Prospective patients can feel comfortable knowing that we custom fabricate crowns to ensure that they are the appropriate size, shape, and color. Once your crown is secured in place, it will blend in with surrounding teeth.   

Benefits of dental crowns

As mentioned earlier, dentists have been performing dental crowns for years. See below for the following restorative capabilities.

• A crown can support a tooth that has been badly damaged by tooth decay.
• Dentists often use crowns to restore a tooth following a root canal.
• A crown may be used to hold together a severely cracked, chipped, or broken tooth.
• A crown can protect a worn tooth.
• Dental professionals may choose to use a crown to anchor a dental bridge.
• The new techniques in fashioning crowns allow them to easily fit into any bite.

Dental crowns can also be used to improve the esthetic result of teeth. It’s why many patients are replacing older crowns with newer ones. Here a few ways crowns help the overall look of your teeth.

• Crowns can add length or width to misshapen teeth.
• They can mask tooth discolorations.
• Dental crowns may be able to cover a dental implant.

Possible side effects and risks

The dental crown procedure continues to be a safe and effective treatment. But, as with other health procedures, there are several inherent risks that are involved. They include the following:

• Infection – This may occur if the affected tooth is not thoroughly cleaned out and sealed.
• Allergic reaction – A small percentage of patients may experience an allergic reaction to the materials used during the process.
• Tooth decay – There is the potential for bacteria to accumulate and damage the tooth if the crown is not properly sealed.
• Poor bite – Patients may experience an uncomfortable bite if the crown’s surface is not properly shaven down.
• Shifting – Don’t be alarmed if your crown becomes loose or even dislodged over time. It’s very possible that you need to have your crown replaced after 10 to 15 years.
• Prolonged pain or gum inflammation – Consult your dentist immediately if you’re dealing with pain long after the procedure.
• Gum sensitivity – It’s fairly common for patients to deal with some sensitivity to hot and cold foods or just have general discomfort when chewing food soon after the crowns are placed. An over-the-counter pain medication should remedy tender gums.

Initial Consultation

We invite you to contact our Plano dental office should you think that dental crowns might be an option for you. When it comes to family dental care in the area, Avue Cosmetic Dentistry stands out as far as patient satisfaction is concerned. We take great pride in our patient-doctor relationships and always put patient autonomy at the top of the list. Whether it’s dental crowns or a different procedure, we always provide optimal and alternative treatment plans so that patients can make the most informed decisions regarding their oral health.