2272 Barataria Blvd. Marrero, LA 70072

Dental CrownsMarrero, LA

dental crown marrero la dentist officeDental crowns are a restorative dental solution that covers teeth that are weak, broken, or discolored. Doctors Maria Burmaster and Valerie Hemphill use various materials for dental crowns, but the preferred restoration is all porcelain. In addition to new restorations, we also replace crowns on teeth that are made of metal.

Dental crowns are also used during root canal therapy to reinforce the tooth and add stability. In implant dentistry, a dental crown serves as the prosthetic tooth and is secured to the artificial root.

Porcelain Dental Crowns

Advances in cosmetic dentistry have significantly improved materials and techniques used in dental crown procedures. Modern dental ceramics are highly durable, stain-resistant, and more natural-looking than ever. Porcelain dental crowns are very easy to care for and, with proper routine care, will last for many years.

A typical dental crown procedure takes place over several visits. The first visit will include a comprehensive examination which includes an inspection of the teeth, gums, mouth, jaw joints, and muscles. Diagnostic x-rays and other imaging will be taken to aid our dentists in the treatment planning.

Once we prepare the tooth, we take and send impressions to the dental laboratory where the crown will be made. A temporary dental crown may be placed on the tooth for protection while the final restoration is being made. We offer the convenience of digital dental impressions using a chairside scanner.

When the permanent dental crown has arrived from the dental laboratory, the temporary one will be removed, and the final crown will be placed for fit. Once the dentist and patient are satisfied with the crown’s fit, look, and position, it will be permanently bonded to the tooth and gently polished.

The Many Uses of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are not just restorations to cover damaged teeth. Crowns can cover dental implants, secure a dental bridge, or support teeth following a root canal treatment.

Dental implants are small titanium anchors that replace missing teeth at the root. Tooth crowns can cover single dental implants once the dental implants heal, meaning that the anchor integrates with the jaw bone. The implant anchor acts as a new tooth root, and the dental crown covers the implant to look and function like a replacement tooth.

Dental crowns can also secure bridges. A dental bridge is a restoration that can replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. Traditional dental bridges use the support of dental crowns to stay in place. A traditional bridge consists of false teeth secured by crown-capped natural teeth on either side of a tooth gap. During a traditional bridge treatment, a dentist prepares the teeth adjacent to the tooth gap to place dental crowns to secure the bridge.

Most patients can experience tooth wear and weakened teeth after they receive a root canal. Root canal treatments remove infected nerves, cells, and vessels from within the tooth. After a root canal treatment, the tooth may look worn or weakened. This is because a dentist may have to remove some of the tooth’s internal structure due to decay. Dental crowns cover and add structure to teeth following root canals to ensure patients have a balanced bite. Crowns also provide durability while preventing further wear to the weakened tooth.

How to Care for Porcelain Dental Crowns

After receiving your new dental crown, you must ensure that you care for your restoration so it lasts many years. Directly after you receive your dental crown, you should avoid eating hard or sticky foods because they can dislodge your crown. Once you are fully accustomed to your restorations, you can begin to eat harder and chewier foods.

Brushing your crowns twice daily, like natural teeth, can remove harmful bacteria from the restorations. We recommend using a non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent damage to your crown. Brush your crowns gently with a soft-bristled brush in circular motions to remove bacterial buildup.

Remember to floss between your crowns. Form a C-shape to clean the sides of your crown and beneath your gums when flossing. Floss before brushing your crowns to ensure that fluoride reaches between your crowns and gums.

Finally, make routine dental visits so we can check on your crown and provide you with a thorough dental cleaning. Routine dental visits aren’t just important for natural teeth. Patients with restorations benefit from regular dental visits as we can ensure restorations look and function properly.

Dental Crown FAQs

How long does a dental crown last?

Dental crowns are considered a permanent restoration. On average, they last around 15-20 years as long as you take care of them properly. We’ll give you instructions to ensure you get the most life out of your dental crowns.

How long is recovery after getting a dental crown?

The recovery time is only a few days. However, you may have some sensitivity and soreness for a week or so after the procedure. We recommend over-the-counter pain medication and warm salt water rinses to reduce discomfort and inflammation.

How long do I have to wait to eat after getting a dental crown?

You can eat pretty directly after the procedure. However, avoid sticky foods for 24 hours after the procedure. We want to ensure the cement bonding process completes properly and dries without being disturbed. If you’re experiencing pain, stick to a soft diet until you’re ready to take on something more solid.

Can food particles get stuck under my crown?

A properly-secured crown won’t have any way to accrue food particles or cavity issues under the crown. If you find plaque building up under the crown, you’ll experience discomfort. If this starts to happen, call us immediately so that we can fix the fit of the crown.

Am I a good candidate for a dental crown?

Before performing any treatment, we’ll schedule a consultation with you. The dentist will perform a thorough oral exam and talk to you about your goals and medical history. We practice conservative dentistry at our practice, and dental crowns allow us to save teeth that may otherwise have needed extraction. We’ll do everything we can to preserve the natural tooth structure before recommending an extraction.

Is it painful to get a dental crown?

You may feel soreness or mild discomfort in the gums after you receive a dental crown. However, we will numb your tooth before we prepare it for the dental crown.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re considering replacing old dental crowns or think you need a dental crown, contact Barataria Dental to schedule a consultation with one of our highly trained dentists.