Dental Crowns
RESTORE YOUR SMILE WITH DENTAL CROWNS
Teeth compromised by decay or trauma can be restored with dental crowns at Batesville Dentistry. These custom-made restorations are designed to fit over the entire tooth structure. Strong and resilient, they help protect your smile and preserve your oral health. Dr. Thomas W. Hodge has years of experience performing a variety of dental procedures and provides top-tier care to residents of Batesville, MS, Oxford, MS, and the surrounding communities.
When is a Dental Crown Necessary?
Dental crowns are often recommended when damage is too severe for a simple dental filling. Crowns can also be used to restore dental implants and strengthen teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy.
However, crowns are not strictly restorative treatments. Because of how similar they look to natural teeth, many patients opt to receive these restorations for cosmetic concerns, such as chips, cracks, or deep dental discoloration.
Before
After
Exploring Candidacy
To qualify for dental crowns, patients must have enough healthy tooth tissue to support the restoration. If the tooth is too damaged, you may need to have it extracted instead. Furthermore, patients should not have gum disease or any other oral health issue that could compromise the health of the new restoration. During a consultation at our Batesville practice, Dr. Hodge will determine if this treatment option is right for you.
Types of Dental Crowns
Depending on your oral health needs, there are several types of crowns available. Some of the most common include:
- Traditional: These crowns can be fabricated from a wide range of materials, including metal, ceramic, or zirconia. This type of crown is placed directly on top of your natural tooth, strengthening it and protecting it from trauma or potential reinfection. However, in order to make room for the restoration, a small amount of enamel must be removed from the tooth.
- Implant-supported: Unlike their traditional counterparts, implant-supported crowns are connected to dental implants. These threaded titanium posts replace the roots of missing teeth to make the restoration more stable.
WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING
What to Expect during Treatment
Dental crown placement can typically be completed in about two weeks. During the first appointment, Dr. Hodge takes x-rays to assess the extent of damage. Next, he prepares the tooth by removing small amounts of enamel to make room for the crown. Impressions are then taken so the final crown can be made. If you qualify for a same-day crown, it will be fabricated while you wait in the office.
Dental crown placement can typically be completed in about two weeks.
If you do not, we will place a temporary restoration to protect the tooth while your final restoration is produced off-site. Once the final crown has been created, we will schedule you for a second appointment. Dr. Hodge will assess the fit of the restoration and bond it permanently into place.
Recovery and Aftercare
Due to the nature of the procedure, patients can expect some degree of tenderness. This is temporary and should diminish over the first few days. Any discomfort can be eased with over-the-counter pain relievers.
To maintain your dental crown, steer clear of extremely hard or sticky foods, as these can dislodge the restoration. You should also avoid using your teeth as tools. In other words, do not open packages or tear clothing tags off with them. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss once daily. If you suffer from bruxism or teeth grinding, we strongly recommend wearing a night guard to protect your teeth and restorations. Finally, visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
