When a tooth is cracked or has a very large cavity, a simple filling might not be enough to fix it. Visiting a friendly dental office in Sarasota is the first step to making that tooth strong again.
A dental crown is like a custom-made “helmet” for your tooth. It covers the whole part of the tooth you can see, which helps it stay in one piece and stops it from breaking more.
What Are The 5 Types Of Crowns?
There are different materials used to make these caps. When you are looking for dental crowns in Sarasota, you will usually choose from these five types:
- Metal mixed with Porcelain: These are very strong and look like real teeth.
- All-Porcelain: These look the most natural and are great for front teeth.
- Gold: These are the strongest of all and last a very long time on back teeth.
- Metal Alloys: These are tough and don’t require much of the tooth to be trimmed.
- Zirconia: This is a newer material that is both super strong and looks white.
What Are The Best Crowns For Teeth?
The best choice depends on where the tooth is and how much you use it to chew. If you are looking for a dental office near you for your front teeth, porcelain is usually best because it looks just like a real tooth.
For your back teeth, where you do all the heavy chewing, materials like zirconia or gold are often better because they don’t chip or crack easily.
How the Process Works
Getting a crown usually takes two visits. During the first trip, the tooth is shaped so the cap can fit over it. Then, a mold is taken so the lab can build your custom tooth.
| Step | What Happens | Why We Do It |
| Preparation | Numbing and shaping the tooth | Makes room for the crown to fit |
| Impressions | Taking a 3D picture or mold | To make a crown that fits your bite |
| Temporary | A plastic “test” crown | Protects your tooth for a week or two |
| The Final Fit | Gluing the real crown on | To give you a permanent, strong tooth |
| Check-up | Making sure your bite is right | So it feels comfortable when you eat |
Taking Care of Your New Tooth
Even though a crown is not a real tooth, you still have to keep it clean. The tooth underneath can still get a cavity if you don’t brush.
Brushing twice a day and flossing around the edges of the crown will help it stay in good shape for a long time.
- Be Careful with Hard Foods: Try not to chew on ice or very hard candy.
- Brush and Floss: Keep the gums around the crown clean and healthy.
- Night Guards: If you grind your teeth at night, a guard can stop the crown from chipping.
- Regular Visits: Let the dental team check the crown twice a year to make sure the glue is still strong.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
If a tooth is cracked and you wait too long to get a crown, the tooth could split in half. If that happens, the tooth might have to be pulled out.
Getting a crown early “holds” the tooth together so it stays strong. It is much easier to save a tooth now than to replace a missing one later.
Keeping Your Smile Strong
At Gulf Gate Dental, we want to help you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright. Our team makes sure your new crown fits perfectly and looks great. We believe that everyone should have a smile they can be proud of. If you have a tooth that is hurting or looks broken, we are here to help you. Contact us today to see how we can help you fix your smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a crown hurt?
Not at all! The tooth is numbed so you won’t feel anything while it is being shaped. Your gums might feel a little sore for a day or two after, but a simple pain reliever from the store usually fixes that.
How long will my crown last?
Most crowns last between 10 and 15 years. If you take really good care of your teeth and don’t chew on hard things, they can last even longer!
Can I get a crown in one day?
Some offices have a special machine that can make your crown while you wait. This means you don’t have to wear a temporary crown or come back for a second visit.
Will people notice I have a crown?
Modern crowns are made to match the exact color of your other teeth. Most of the time, you will even forget which tooth has the crown on it because it looks and feels so natural.
