St Hugh's Dental Care
133 Birchwood Ave
Birchwood, Lincoln LN6 0JE
133 Birchwood Ave
Birchwood, Lincoln LN6 0JE
A crown is a type of dental restoration used to fix teeth that have been broken, weakened by decay or contain a very large filling.
A crown could be a good solution for you if you have some discoloured fillings and would like to improve their appearance. Crowns can be used to replace these to give you a more appealing smile. Additionally, if you have had root canal treatment you will need a crown to protect or cap the restored tooth, allowing you to eat and bite down on it as if it was a real tooth. Crowns are also used to anchor a bridge or denture firmly in place in the mouth.
The lifespan of dental crowns largely depends on the type of crown you have and how well you take care of it. Generally, dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, but some can last even longer with proper care and maintenance.
Permanent crowns, made from materials like metal, porcelain fused to metal, or ceramic, are known to be the most durable and long-lasting. They can withstand normal wear and tear from daily use and can last for many years if properly cared for. On the other hand, temporary crowns are designed to be used for short-term use only and are not intended for long-term wear.
Proper care and maintenance also play a crucial role in the longevity of dental crowns. Good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly not only help to keep your natural teeth healthy but also the crown itself. It's important to avoid certain hard, sticky or chewy foods that could damage the crown or cause it to come loose. Regular dental check-ups are also important to ensure that your crown is still in good shape and functioning as it should.
With proper care, your dental crown can remain in good condition and help to maintain a healthy, natural-looking smile for many years.
Once you've received your dental crown, it's important to take good care of it to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain fused to metal, and ceramics, and each one requires slightly different care. Here are some general tips to help take care of your dental crown:
By following these tips and taking good care of your dental crown, you can help ensure it lasts for many years to come. Remember to speak with our dentist if you have any concerns or questions about caring for your crown or if you notice any changes in your oral health.
One of the most common questions people have about getting a dental crown is whether or not it will be painful. The short answer is that the procedure itself is not usually painful thanks to the use of local anaesthetic. However, some people may experience discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure.
During the dental crown procedure, your dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This means that you shouldn't feel any pain while the dentist is preparing the tooth and fitting the crown. In some cases, your dentist may also offer sedation options if you feel anxious or nervous about the procedure.
After the procedure, it's normal to experience some sensitivity in the tooth for a few days. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. Some people may also experience a little discomfort in their jaw as they adjust to the new shape of their tooth.
It's important to note that in rare cases, dental crown placement can result in complications like nerve damage or an allergic reaction to the materials used in the crown. However, these complications are very rare and your dentist will take steps to minimise the risk.
If you're concerned about whether or not getting a dental crown will be painful, our dentist can explain the procedure in more detail and answer any questions you may have. We can also work with you to manage any discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure.
Decayed or chipped teeth can often be repaired with white composite fillings that look natural, however if the damage is too substantial, particularly on the back teeth, then an inlay or onlay would be recommended. Inlays or onlays can be made from a number of strong materials such as metals or ceramics.
An inlay is a small filling that fits into the biting surface of a tooth. An onlay covers a larger area of the tooth and is better suited to bigger cavities. Gold was traditionally used for these types of restorations. However, in recent times hard-wearing tooth-coloured porcelain has become a more popular choice of material. This is a more aesthetic way to restore the teeth and creates a more natural-looking smile.
Thanks to advances in digital technology (called CAD/CAM) porcelain inlays can be made at some dental practices using a special milling machine known as CEREC. This means you will need fewer visits to the dentist to have your tooth restored.
Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are used to repair teeth that have moderate damage or decay. They are a conservative alternative to dental crowns and can be made from various materials, including porcelain, composite resin, or gold.
While fillings are placed directly into a cavity, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab before being bonded into place. This allows for a more precise fit and greater strength. In addition, inlays and onlays cover a larger surface area of the tooth, making them a suitable option for repairing more extensive damage.
Inlays and onlays are typically recommended when a tooth has damage or decay that cannot be adequately repaired with a filling but does not require a full dental crown. They are a conservative option that preserves as much of the natural tooth structure as possible while still restoring its strength and function.
The placement of inlays and onlays usually requires two appointments. During the first appointment, the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and an impression is taken to create a custom restoration. A temporary filling is placed on the tooth to protect it until the permanent restoration is ready. At the second appointment, the temporary filling is removed, and the permanent inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive.
Yes, inlays and onlays are highly durable and can last for many years with proper care. The materials used, such as porcelain or composite resin, are known for their strength and resistance to wear. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practises and visit the dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure the longevity of your inlay or onlay.
Yes, inlays and onlays can be designed to match the colour of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result. Porcelain restorations, in particular, can be created to mimic the shade and translucency of your natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable.
The placement of an inlay or onlay is generally a painless procedure. Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues, ensuring your comfort throughout the process. Some patients may experience minor discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, but this usually subsides within a few days.
Caring for an inlay or onlay is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects that could damage the restoration. Additionally, it is crucial to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups to ensure the longevity of your inlay or onlay.
Inlays and onlays made from porcelain or composite resin are resistant to staining, making them an ideal choice for restoring teeth in visible areas of the mouth. However, it is still important to practise good oral hygiene and limit the consumption of heavily pigmented foods and drinks, as they can potentially cause discolouration over time.
Yes, inlays and onlays can be used to replace old metal fillings. In addition to providing a more natural appearance, they offer improved strength and longevity compared to traditional metal fillings. Your dentist can assess your specific situation and determine if inlays or onlays are suitable for replacing your old fillings.
