Dental crowns are restorations that fully cover and protect teeth. Crowns can also cover implants and other restorations, creating a seamless appearance that blends with other natural teeth. If you are interested in dental crowns but want to know more before committing to treatment, we encourage you to learn more about dental crown treatment in our Durham, NC, office.
FAQs: Dental Crown Treatment in Durham, NC
Patients may have these questions about dental crowns and the treatment process:
What can you eat with a permanent crown?
Patients can eat normally with crowns for two to four weeks after treatment. At first, we recommend that patients eat a soft diet. Patients can eat foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, pasta, eggs, and soup. However, after several weeks, patients can begin to eat harder, chewier, and crunchier foods.
Can you whiten a dental crown?
No, because dental crowns are made of porcelain or metal, they will not react to active whitening ingredients. However, crowns can address problems like damaged and discolored teeth. Often, patients with dental injuries can also experience discoloration. Crowns can address both of these problems by covering the tooth.
Is dental crown preparation painful?
Before patients receive a dental crown, we need to prepare the tooth. We etch into the tooth enamel to ensure that the crown adheres to the tooth. Before preparing the tooth, we will numb it so patients will not feel any pain during preparation.
Does a dental crown feel different than a natural tooth?
Directly after patients receive their permanent crown, they will need to adjust to the new feeling of a restoration on their tooth. However, many patients will quickly get accustomed to their new crown. The crown will be directly bonded to the tooth, so it should not feel loose or uncomfortable. Soon, the crown will feel like a natural tooth.
How do you clean dental crowns?
You can floss and brush crowns like natural teeth. We recommend that patients use soft-bristled brushes to brush their teeth and crowns. Avoiding abrasive toothpaste ingredients like charcoal can also keep the crowns intact.
How do you know if your tooth is cracked beneath a dental crown?
If you experience these problems with your dental crown, please get in touch with our office for emergency care:
- Pain biting and chewing
- A loose dental crown
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Pain around the gum line.
It could indicate that you have a cracked tooth beneath your crown. Damage beneath the crown, or a loose crown, can introduce an infection.
How long do dental crowns last?
Crowns can last over fifteen years with the proper care. Patients who brush and floss twice daily, visit the dentist regularly, and contact us if they experience any changes in their crowns will have lasting results.
Do you have any more questions about dental crowns? Request a dental appointment with Dr. Jim Furgurson on our website. Call Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for restorative care today at 919.736.6175.