Your smile matters, and when you have damaged, decayed, or misaligned teeth, you might not be comfortable smiling.
Luckily, dental crowns offer the best options to restore your smile permanently. However, there are many things you need to know about this restorative procedure to ensure you get the best out of it.
What are Cemented Crowns?
Cemented crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that cover decayed, cracked, misaligned, or discolored teeth. They are made of hard materials such as ceramic or porcelain. They resemble the natural part of the tooth and provide support while blending in with the rest of your teeth.
A cemented crown helps you avoid losing a damaged tooth and stabilizes the alignment of your lower and upper jaw. It can also match the functionality of the natural teeth to improve your bite and make chewing easier.
Why Should You Consider Cemented Crowns?
Damaged teeth had to be removed in the past, but the modern day offers better options, thanks to modern technology.
Cemented crowns are significant advancements in the dental field as they allow patients to keep their natural teeth for the rest of their lives.
Most dentists recommend cemented crowns for the following reasons:
1. Protecting Endangered Teeth
We grow one set of permanent teeth in a lifetime, and any damage could compromise it forever. If you have decayed, cracked, or chipped teeth, you can invest in cemented crowns to stop the problem from progressing. The procedure is a viable option for all ages, so you have no excuse for not trying it.
2. Restoring Already Damaged Teeth
Broken teeth can be restored if you seek medical attention within the shortest time possible. A dentist will ensure all parts are secured in the gum and use cemented crowns to hold the sections together.
The crowns will not be noticeable as they restore your teeth’ natural look. Dental crowns for front teeth are more popular because their appearance plays a huge role in life.
3. Covering and Supporting the Remains of a Tooth
Mouth injuries or large cavities can make you lose a part of your tooth. In such instances, dental crowns are the best alternative to cover and support the remains of your tooth. It makes it look as good as the natural tooth and provides long-lasting strength.
Besides, dental crowns provide support for a dental bridge. A dental bridge restores two or more missing teeth, but it must be supported by teeth at their end. If the teeth are damaged or weak, they might not provide the necessary support.
In this case, a dentist will recommend cemented crowns to cover the supporting teeth. It also protects the supporting teeth from damage by the bridge.
4. Covering Discolored Teeth
Your teeth often determine how attractive your smile is and how comfortable you are when smiling. Discolored and stained teeth will affect your confidence. However, your teeth might be discolored but very healthy, so you wouldn’t want to extract them.
That’s where cemented crowns come in. Your dentist can clean the teeth and mount dental crowns to make your teeth whiter. The good thing is that the crowns match the appearance of the other teeth.
5. Covering Dental Implants
A dental implant is a reliable and durable way to restore a lost tooth. The implant is inserted into the jawbone in the location of the missing tooth. After the gum tissue has healed, a cemented crown is cemented onto the post to resemble the natural tooth that was initially there.
It’s a vital part of the treatment because it gives dental implants better functionality. The crown is often fitted during the second appointment.
Related Resource: Best Dental Treatments That Will Help To Have a Beautiful Smile
How is the Cemented Crown Procedure?
Once your dentist assesses your teeth, they design the best crowns to suit your needs. They use a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth and make the procedure as painless as possible.
They then file and shape the tooth so it can be a good fit for a crown. Finally, they take an impression of your mouth using a soft and putty-like material that matches the color of the teeth near the crowns. The entire procedure takes a few hours, and there will be little pain or discomfort after it’s done.
When Can You Eat After a Crown is Cemented?
It’s always important to know when you can eat after a crown is cemented. It will help you maximize the results, ease discomfort, and prevent infection. The time to resume your regular diet varies between permanent and temporary cemented crowns.
For temporary crowns, you only have to wait for up to 45 minutes after leaving the dentist’s office before eating. It’s enough time for the crown to harden.
For permanent crowns, you can resume your regular diet two to four weeks after the procedure. However, you have to ensure there are no complications and that you heal correctly.
What to Avoid after a Crown is Cemented?
Besides knowing when you can eat after a crown is cemented, you also need to know what you should avoid during this time. It is best to avoid sticky and chewy foods because they can grab and pull at the crown.
Avoid hard foods as they might dislodge or break the crown, while you should shift most of your chewing to the opposite side of the mouth. When cleaning your teeth, slide the flossing material instead of lifting it out to avoid pulling off the crown.
Fortunately, after your crowns heal completely, you can eat, drink, and clean your teeth as you did before.
In Summary
Do you feel that one or more of your teeth could benefit from cemented crowns? If so, do not hesitate to reserve an appointment with your dentist.
They can help secure your cracked, discolored, or damaged tooth with a dental crown to brighten your smile, enhance your bite, and improve your oral health.
Your dentist will also advise on the best ways to take care of your dental crowns to get the best out of them. The earlier you get your dental crowns, the better the results, so visit your dentist now.
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