What Are Dental Crowns and Why Would I Need Them?

An estimated 3.2 million people need some type of dental crown every year. Given that around 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth, dental crowns can play an important role in your oral health. 

While dental crowns won’t alleviate every dental problem, they’re incredibly helpful when it comes to protecting your smile and the rest of your teeth. 

Dr. Faye Licata, who leads our skilled professional staff at Licata Dental, is a specialist who offers high-quality and affordable dental crown procedures. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Licata has the necessary experience to give your smile a boost. 

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown, or cap, is a custom-fitted protective cover for the top of a troubled tooth. Dental crowns can be made in-office, but Licata Dental uses an excellent out-of-office service that has your crown to us quickly. 

Dental crowns are made from a number of different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal. Dr. Licata offers a mixture of these and more to best suit your dental needs and desired outcome. 

When determining which materials are best for your dental crown, Dr. Licata considers the placement and function of your tooth, including how much of your tooth will show when you smile. The color of your surrounding teeth will also play a role in customizing your crown, as well as the positioning of your gum tissue and how much of your natural tooth is available.  

Why would I need a dental crown?

Dental crowns are used to treat several issues. If you have a tooth that’s severely weakened, whatever the cause, it’s possible for your tooth to break. This can be uncomfortable, painful, and cause a great deal of stress.

If you break a tooth, that’s considered a dental emergency. We provide emergency dentistry services, and may choose a crown to treat your weakened or broken tooth. 

Several things can wear teeth down, including poor diet, bruxia, or teeth grinding, and chewing on foreign objects. For worn-down teeth, dental crowns protect what’s left of the precious enamel that guards your tooth’s pulp, and protects the nerves within. Discolored teeth may also benefit from dental crowns, as they can be used to brighten your smile as well. 

In preparation for receiving your crown, Dr. Licata prepares your troubled tooth and takes a mold of the tooth. The mold is sent for your crown to be created. While we wait for your crown to be completed, Dr. Licata places a temporary crown to protect your vulnerable tooth. 

Before your dental crown appointment, Dr. Licata advises you on when or if you need to cut off food and beverages before the procedure. 

Once your crown arrives at our office, Dr. Licata carefully removes your temporary crown and replaces it with your permanent crown. For both your temporary and permanent crowns, a dental-safe adhesive is used. The adhesive is stronger for your permanent crown than it is for the temporary one.  

If you’re having issues with more than one tooth in a row, a bridge may be an option. Bridges and crowns are common dental prosthetics that are generally placed over two or three appointments, depending on the severity of your case. 

I think I need a crown

Wondering if a dental crown is the right solution for you? Before recommending any type of treatment, Dr. Licata sits with you for a full consultation and exam. If you’re ready to save your smile, call us at 636-532-2101 or walk in during business hours. For non-emergency appointments, you can also book a visit online.