Many people consider a smile a powerful nonverbal communication tool that someone possesses. It can help convey emotions, build connections, and leave lasting impressions on those around us. However, missing teeth can often cause people to feel self-conscious and reluctant to show off their smile.
Fortunately, dental specialists can offer solutions to restore a damaged or missing tooth, like dental crowns. While getting this treatment from your dentist may be exciting, you must ask the right questions to make informed decisions.
If you're ready to restore your teeth's best appearance and enter the clinic informed, this article will enumerate seven questions for your dentist when getting a dental crown.
1. What's a Dental Crown, and Why Is It My Best Option?
Dentists use dental crowns to strengthen seriously damaged teeth, but not so damaged that they need removal. Depending on the reason for the treatment, there may be alternatives. Remember that onlays, inlays, and fillings won't restore damaged teeth. In contrast, a dental specialist may suggest veneers or dental bonding for cosmetic purposes. However, dental crowns are a more permanent solution that can also hide the damage that other cosmetic treatments can't hide.
2. What Are the Pros and Drawbacks of Getting a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns provide several benefits, like protecting and strengthening severely damaged teeth that other means can't repair. They're long-lasting solutions that rarely become loose and enhance the teeth's appearance.
While they may offer their advantages, they also have their drawbacks. They have potential risks, like the requirement to remove a portion of the tooth's enamel to prepare for the crown. There's also a risk of temporary crown dislodging before the dental specialist places the permanent one. Moreover, depending on the treatment's material, it may cause an allergic reaction.
3. When Can a Patient Qualify for This Treatment?
A dental crown is the only option to prevent tooth extraction if a less invasive treatment doesn't work. Also, this solution is a long-lasting tooth restoration method.
4. How Will You Place the Dental Crown?
Your dentist can restore a damaged tooth by placing a dental crown over it in a process that involves two dental visits. During the first appointment, your dentist examines the affected tooth and prepares it for the crown by removing some of the enamel and taking a mold of the teeth. They'll then place a temporary crown until the second visit to prevent tooth shifting.
At the second appointment, they'll remove the temporary crown and attach the permanent one to the tooth with dental cement. You can also find a dental specialist that offers a same-day service where they can make and fit the crown in one visit. That way, you'll enjoy the convenience and restore your best smile immediately.
5. Is It Painful?
Many patients hesitate to visit a dental specialist for a crown because they fear it's painful and expensive. Fortunately, that's not the truth. Before the dental procedure, your dentist will use an anesthetic to numb the tooth. Once the medicine wears off, you may experience discomfort and sensitivity, but you can quickly relieve it with prescription or over-the-counter painkillers.
6. How Long Do They Last?
Dental crowns are a long-lasting dental solution lasting up to 25 years. However, that only works if one practices good oral hygiene.
7. May I Look at Some Before and After Pictures?
Choosing a dentist with whom a patient feels comfortable is crucial. You can achieve this by requesting a dental specialist's work record. You can also ask for a digital representation of their smile with a dental crown to visualize the expected outcome.
Crowning for a Better Smile
Nobody deserves a smile with missing teeth because it can ruin your self-confidence and ability to talk and eat properly. You can restore your pearly whites by investing in dental crowns and asking a specialist the right questions.
If you're looking for a professional Ann Arbor dental specialist for dental crowns, visit Dental House, MI! We're ready to help you smile better with our high-quality services. Make an appointment now!