Schedule Book Now Like Us Like Us on Facebook Reviews Leave a Google Review Call Give us a Call Locations View our Locations
Choose a Location: Village Drive Piedmont East Northeast South Street Crete
(402) 420-2222

Lincoln dentist explains when it’s time for a dental crown

June 21, 2016

Lincoln dentists at Williamsburg Dental restore cracked, decayed or otherwise failing teeth with dental crowns. Read here about your restoration options.Your dental team at Williamsburg Dental in Lincoln, NE strive to prevent oral health problems. Cleanings, oral examinations, and other prophylactic treatments keep teeth strong and bright and gums, pink and intact. If an issue does arise, Drs. Kotopka, Gessford, Killeen, Beddes and Rossini present treatment options preferable to extraction. A dental crown is one of them.

What is a dental crown?

Traditionally termed a dental “cap,” a crown is a tooth-shaped prosthetic which covers damaged enamel from gum line to crown.  Made from gold (the strongest choice), metal alloy, porcelain fused to metal, all-porcelain (the most popular choice) or zirconia, a crown protects and strengthens a tooth that:

  • Is extensively decayed
  • Has had root canal therapy
  • Was injured (chipped, cracked) by a blow to the mouth
  • Is congenitally misshapen
  • Has multiple fillings

When do you need a dental crown?

A patient needs a crown when exhibiting signs of decay, such as toothache or extreme temperature sensitivity, or when chips or cracks could lead to dental abscess. Additionally, Lincoln dentists use dental crowns to support bridgework comprised of one or more false teeth.

The dental crown process

Dental crowns normally require 2 appointments.  During the first visit, your dentist examines the tooth and takes x-rays to assess the root and bone. If the tooth is a good candidate for this restoration, he removes the old filling material and decay and shapes the tooth to receive the crown. He takes an oral impression to send to an affiliated dental lab where a technician will make the crown.

The technician uses the dentist’s specific instructions, the impressions and the appropriate material. All-porcelain crowns are usually the material of choice. The dentist places a temporary filling or crown over the tooth to protect it in the interim.

During the next visit, the doctor removes the temporary and bonds the permanent restoration in place. He ensures that it fits the space correctly and bites together properly with the opposing arch.

Afterwards at home, the patient brushes and flosses his new crown just as he would any natural tooth. At-home hygiene, combined with semi-annual check-ups and cleanings at Williamsburg Dental ensure a lifespan of 10 years or more.  Patients should preserve the integrity of their dental crowns by:

  • Wearing a mouthguard at night if they grind their teeth
  • Wear an athletic mouthguard during sports
  • Avoid chewing excessively hard foods such as peanut brittle
  • Refrain from tearing or biting non-food items such as plastic packaging or pencil tops

What about you?

Are you a candidate for a Lincoln dental crown? The professional team at Lincoln Dental can tell you if you should take advantage of this great dental restoration and keep your natural tooth in place. Contact the office today to arrange your restorative dentistry consultation.

No Comments

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

Contact Us

Village Drive

(402) 421-6611 6100 Village dr #100
Lincoln, NE 68516

Office Hours

8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm

Piedmont

(402) 904-6001 1265 S. Cotner Blvd. #1
Lincoln, NE 68510

Office Hours

8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm

east

(402) 489-6547 6930 L St. #B
Lincoln, NE 68510

Office Hours

8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm

northeast

(402) 464-1719 1719 N Cotner Blvd.
Lincoln, NE 68505

Office Hours

8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
Closed
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm

south street

(402) 488-9022 2746 South St.
Lincoln, NE 68505

Office Hours

8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
Closed
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm

Crete

(402) 418-7214 995 E. Hwy 33, Suite 1
Crete, Ne. 68333

Office Hours

8:30am - 5:30pm
8:30am - 5:30pm
Closed
8:30am - 5:30pm
8:30am - 5:00pm