Dental Crowns FAQ
Our team at Ko Dental is committed to giving our patients the information they need to be well informed about their dental health. If you need a tooth replacement and are considering a dental crown, check out these dental crown FAQs. Here are some of the most frequently asked dental crown questions in Seattle, WA:
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is an artificial tooth usually made of porcelain or zirconium and custom fabricated for your mouth. An artificial crown works to replace a tooth that may have gotten chipped or knocked out. The crown extends slightly under your gum line, and Dr. Hoon Ko adheres the crown in place using dental cement for a permanent bond.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns have a high success rate for at least ten years and often much longer. A porcelain crown can last for over 20 years with proper care and maintenance. The strong porcelain acts like your tooth enamel, but better. It never wears down from use like your natural enamel. Your crown can last for decades with twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing.
What materials are used to make dental crowns?
Dental crowns are made from several different materials. Metal crowns, including gold, are classic examples of the earliest artificial teeth and are still available but no longer common. Porcelain is a preferable material for making dental crowns because the ceramic is solid and natural-looking. You can choose between a ceramic crown of porcelain fused to metal or 100% porcelain.
Why do I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns are the restoration of choice in single-tooth dental implant cases. Dental crowns are necessary to restore broken teeth and teeth worn from decay. They also serve as protection for teeth that are too weak to support a dental filling. Many patients choose to protect cracks and cover discoloration on teeth with a dental crown restoration.
How do I care for my dental crown?
Good oral hygiene is essential to keep the underlying tooth from continuing to rot and decay. Dental crowns function just as the natural crown of your teeth, which means you should clean them the same way as your natural teeth. For best care, follow the correct brushing order (floss, brush, and rinse), and be sure to floss at the base of your crown, where the artificial tooth meets your gumline.
Does it hurt to get a dental crown?
No! You will not feel any pain during or following your dental crown placement procedure. We do everything we can to make you feel at ease and comfortable throughout the placement process. During your crown placement, Dr. Hoon Ko administers a local anesthetic to ensure your mouth and gums are numb around the placement area. If you experience dental anxiety, talk to Dr. Hoon Ko during your consultation about the deeper sedation options available.
Is there a recovery period after my crown placement?
Unless otherwise determined, dental crown placement procedures are non-invasive and do not require unconscious sedation. So, you do not have any recovery period following your crown placement. As soon as you leave our office, you are free to resume your daily life, diet, and routines.
Do you have more questions about dental crowns? Call our office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hoon Ko and get answers to your dental crown FAQs.
