Dental Crown Questions

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown is a cover over the outside of a tooth. It restores a damaged tooth, prolongs its life, and preserves its interior. When made of dental porcelain, a crown cannot be distinguished from a natural tooth. Dental crowns are also sometimes called dental caps.

Why would I need a dental crown?

When a tooth is too severely decayed or damaged to be effectively repaired by a filling, a crown is used to protect and preserve the tooth. The alternative would be to remove the tooth and give you an artificial tooth to fill the gap. That would involve a bridge or a dental implant or a removable partial denture, all more complicated and more expensive options than a crown.

How do I know whether a crown is a better choice than veneers or dental implants?

Tooth Bonding is used to fill relatively small areas of decay. Dental veneers cover the tooth face for cosmetic enhancement rather than for tooth preservation or repair of severe damage. Dental implants can be used when the tooth must be removed entirely.

Dr. Raymond will be able to determine if your tooth is strong enough to preserve, and he will suggest one of the less involved solutions or a crown, and will explain why one would be a better option than another.

Why did my old crown come loose and could that happen again?

A crown that is poorly crafted or inadequately bonded to the tooth can loosen, allowing bacteria to spread beneath it. It can then pop off while you are flossing or eating. A crown needs sufficient tooth structure to hold onto, and Dr. Raymond’s task is to make a crown that can last many decades.

Dr. Raymond’s advanced Pankey Institute training, means that your crown will fit great, will look beautiful and natural, will be very comfortable, and will last a long time.

Will my crown look and feel like my natural tooth?

Yes! A beautiful crown cannot be distinguished from a natural tooth except by a dentist. Your new crown will allow you to eat your favorite foods in comfort. If you give it the same daily dental care and regular check-ups you give to your natural teeth, it can last you for decades.

You can talk to Dr. Raymond about dental crowns during your comprehensive examination or your free initial consultation. Please call or email us today to schedule your appointment in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota area.