Patients in Jonesboro, AR, can now benefit from dental crowns at Walnut Ridge Dental Care. Dr. Patel and his team of experts are dedicated to helping you achieve your dream smile with dental crowns in Jonesboro, AR. 

 

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a way to restore a broken or decayed tooth. Some patients call dental crowns caps because they fit over the top of your tooth. First, your dentist, Dr. Patel, will have a consultation appointment with you to place a dental crown. He will ask you about your dental goals and then examine your teeth. After he looks at your teeth, he may recommend a dental crown. To place a dental crown, Dr. Patel will first take an impression and images of teeth. We will send the impression to a lab where the porcelain dental crown will be designed. Then, one to two weeks later, Dr. Patel will invite you back into his office for a dental crown fitting. If the crown fits well, he will secure it with bonding glue. Then, he will make some final touches on the dental crown by roughing down uneven sides to make it more comfortable for you. 

Why do I Need a Dental Crown?

If you have a broken or decayed tooth, you may need a dental crown in Walnut Ridge, AR. To restore a smile with a large amount of decay on a tooth, your dentist may recommend removing the decay and placing a dental crown on the tooth. We remove the decay to prevent it from spreading to other teeth and your gums. Then, if the cavity where the decay was is too big for a dental filling, Dr. Patel may restore the tooth with a dental crown. The outer shell of the porcelain dental crown will protect the tooth underneath from becoming further infected or damaged. 

If you have broken a tooth in a traumatic accident, a dental crown can be one way to restore the tooth. If your dentist can restore the tooth with a composite-resin dental filling, Dr. Patel will do so. However, if the break is significant, he may recommend a dental crown. 

 

How to Care for My Dental Crown?

At Walnut Ridge Dental Care, we recommend that patients care for their dental crowns the same way they care for their natural teeth. Dental crowns are permanent restorations that you should not remove. Patients should brush, floss, and use mouthwash every day to keep their crown, surrounding teeth, and gums clean and free from infection. Patients should also visit Walnut Ridge Dental Care every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. Dr. Patel will also examine the health of the dental crown and make any recommendations if necessary. 

 

Dental Crowns for Cosmetic Reasons

Dental crowns in Jonesboro, AR, are not only placed for therapeutic purposes. Your dentist can also replace them for cosmetic reasons. Patients who feel they have a short or crooked tooth may be able to benefit from a dental crown. As mentioned before, the dental crown sits over the top of the tooth like a cap. Dental crowns can also sit over teeth that are discolored to create a whiter smile. 

 

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

The lifetime of a dental crown depends on the care of the crown and where it is placed. With good care, dental crowns can last up to 15 years. However, if they are in a spot where you chew and grind a lot, this may lessen the crown’s lifespan. Generally, you can increase the lifespan of your dental crown by following a healthy dental care routine. 

Dental crowns in Jonesboro, AR, are a great way to transform the appearance of your smile. Dental crowns may be for you, whether you are restoring a tooth or enhancing your smile with cosmetic dentistry. For more information about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, call our office.