“You need a crown,” we’ve all heard at the dentist’s office, and it’s something to dread. Crowns are both invasive and costly as a solution for restoring a tooth when a filling isn’t enough.
However, with improved methods and equipment now available, leading Eugene dentists are able to utilize less intrusive approaches before considering a crown. If you want to repair a tooth but avoid crowns, keep reading because you’ll find out what you need to know.
What exactly is a crown?
A crown is a covering that fits over the stump of a tooth. The cap restores the tooth’s structure, support, and beauty.
If the original tooth is cracked, chipped, or broken; if it requires a filling that’s too big for the tooth to support; if it has too much decay or is too worn; or if it’s severely discolored or misshapen, dentists will use crowns. A tooth is also capped to protect a dental implant or support a bridge.
What is the procedure?
When you have a crown, your dentist must grind down the tooth to a stub, which usually entails the loss of a healthy tooth. Getting a crown generally necessitates two visits: The dentist shapes the tooth, takes impressions, and applies a temporary crown during the first visit.
The impressions go to the lab, where the crown is created; this can take a few weeks. When the patient returns for the second appointment, the dentist applies the permanent crown. Some dentists now use sophisticated digital technologies to produce single-visit crowns.
Today’s sophisticated dental technology provides highly-trained, well-experienced dentists more options for placing fillings before resorting to crowns. So, in order to avoid crowns when you want to repair a tooth, here are some pointers:
1. Recommendations
Before opting for crowns for tooth restoration, ask friends and family about how conservative their dentist appears to be. Also watch out for dentists who appear to give the “royal” treatment too quickly to their clients.
2. Online reviews
Your dental practice should have a solid online presence, with reviews on social media and on their website. You’ll also learn about the dentist, their practice, and how they work.
3. Technology that is highly innovative
Find a dentist who is aware with the most up-to-date dental restorative technology. Dr. Linger, for example, makes use of the operating microscope. His skill enables him to mold and fill teeth more readily.
4. Asking questions is important.
Don’t be afraid to inquire about fees for dental procedures that involve fillings rather than crowns. And while all team members should be able to speak freely on the dentist’s opinion on preserving a natural tooth, they should also feel comfortable doing so.
Inquire about their equipment, their criteria for determining whether a crown is required, their continuing education and professional development, or any other subject that appears relevant. It’s your teeth.
5. Prevention
Snacks like popcorn, gummies, and licorice, as well as other foods that adhere to or get trapped between your teeth, should be avoided. Crunching on ice and hard candies are examples of habits to avoid. Have you ever missed the everlasting hopper stopper or jawbreaker?
A tooth that has been damaged from a fall or chomped on by a seal can be pushed over the brink if you eat these goodies. Finally, the greatest thing for your teeth is regular preventative care: Brush at least twice a day, floss at least once, use an ADA-approved dental rinse, and have your teeth professionally cleaned.
Know About Quest Dental Eugene Oregon
Dr. Lassen uses a cautious technique for tooth restoration and relies on the operating microscope for all restorative operations. As a result, Dr. Lassen can now fill teeth that previously required a crown just a few years ago with Fillings. Dr. Lassen does not place crowns until the health of neighboring teeth is in danger. He specializes in using a caring approach to dentistry and patient comfort, which is why he prefers working with the operating microscope.
If you have any questions about restorative treatment or would like a free consultation in Eugene, OR, please contact Quest Dental.