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At Silver Firs Dental, one of the top family dental offices in Mill Creek, Washington, we’ve helped hundreds of patients restore their smiles and their self-confidence with dental crowns. 

In this article, we’ve lined up everything you need to know about dental crowns to help you better understand the treatment and its benefits. 

What Is a Dental Crown? 

A dental crown is an empty, tooth-molded cap that our dentists place over decayed or damaged teeth. When cemented properly, dental crowns cover the whole noticeable segment of the tooth that lies at or above the gum line. 

Before placing the permanent crown, our dentists prepare their patient's teeth by shaving them down to guarantee an appropriately formed base to hold the crown. After the teeth are trimmed down, temporary crowns made to resemble the patient's natural teeth are inserted until the permanent crowns are ready. 

The procedure helps restore the shape and size of the tooth. It also increases the strength, performance, and look of your tooth. Once the crown is commented correctly, it encases the tooth for full protection.

Temporary vs. Permanent Crowns

Temporary crowns help protect the recently shaved down teeth from harm and ensure that the patient can function normally until their permanent crowns are placed. Because they are only needed for about ½ month, temporary crowns are made using more inexpensive materials like acrylic or metal. 

Permanent crowns replace the temporary crowns and are fixed using dental cement. They are made from a variety of materials, such as: 

• Metal
• Ceramic
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal,
• Stainless steel
• Resin 

The Most Common Uses for Dental Crowns

Crowns are useful in restoring damaged teeth in the following scenarios:

• Teeth largely affected by tooth cavities 
• Replacing missing teeth or for bridging teeth
• Providing coverage for dental implants
• Worn out or chipped, cracked teeth
• Discolored or badly shaped teeth

What Not to Do After Getting a Temporary Dental Crown

Our dentists at Silver Firs Dental recommend that you take the following precautions after getting a temporary dental crown:

• Avoid sticky chewy foods like chewing gum
• Avoid using the side of your mouth where the temporary crown is placed 
• Avoid biting into hard foods like raw vegetables
• Brush and floss between your teeth carefully after eating

If you want to know more about dental crowns and their benefits and get seamless and cost-effective dental treatments, contact our dental experts at Silver Firs Dental in Mill Creek, Washington. Call us at (425) 225-5757, book online, or visit us at 13209 44th Ave SE #201, Mill Creek, WA 98012.