Crowns are a great way to cover up unappealing/unattractive teeth. That can be chipped teeth, extremely stained teeth, or even teeth that have undergone restorative procedures. Your family dentist in Newberg, OR, Dr. Angela Toy, is more than happy to tell you more about crowns and their benefits.
More About Dental Crowns
Crowns are cap-like porcelain appliances Dr. Toy cements over natural teeth. She takes an impression of your teeth, sends them to a lab to make custom crowns made and gives you a temporary crown(s) until the permanent crown is made in about two weeks.
So, why get a dental crown anyway?
When teeth are more vulnerable but still healthy or look unappealing, crowns are a great option. Here are a few times crowns can benefit you:
- After a restorative procedure, like a root canal, when a significant amount of natural tooth is removed
- A loose filling that may dislodge without support from a crown
- Using crowns for other dental appliances, like bridges and implants
- Covering stained teeth
How do I take care of my crowns?
You need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once at least before bed. Make sure to give special attention to the area around your dental crown and those molars. You want to avoid plaque buildup and reduce the risk of cavities forming.
A poor diet can also be a culprit in enamel breakdown. Choose healthy fruits and vegetables that scrape plaque off teeth. Drink plenty of water to get rid of food debris, and don't bite into ice. Proper care of your crowns and teeth increases the lifespan of your natural teeth and crowns.
It also helps when you visit your family dentist twice a year for regular checkups and professional cleanings. That way Dr. Toy can stop diseases or infections during their early stages.
And, lastly, if you suffer from bruxism, teeth grinding, wear a mouthguard. Teeth grinding reduces the lifespan of your teeth and crowns. Ask your Newberg family dentist if she can have a custom mouth guard or splint made for you.
Need a consultation?
For more information on dental crowns and what they can do for you, contact Dr. Angela Toy in Newberg, OR, at (503) 538-2143.