FAQs About Dental Crowns

Ready to learn more about this popular dental restoration and how it can help you?

Dental crowns have become a pretty standard way to repair damaged teeth. After all, they are durable and look just like natural teeth, so dental crownsthere are a lot of benefits to choosing dental crowns. Of course, our Fenton, MO dentists Drs. Thomas and Andrew Kemlage get a lot of questions about dental crowns and perhaps you have some of your own. Here are some of the most common dental crown questions revealed!

Q. What is a dental crown?

A. This hollowed-out tooth-like restoration is made to fit over your tooth to improve its overall durability, appearance, and function. When a crown is cemented into place it fully covers the visible portion of the tooth.

Q. Why might my Fenton general dentist recommend a dental crown?

A. There are many scenarios for which a dental crown might be the best option:

  • To protect a decaying, infected or injured tooth
  • To restore a tooth that is broken or severely worn
  • To protect a tooth that cannot support a large filling
  • To anchor a dental bridge into place
  • To improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth
  • To cover a dental implant (to replace a missing tooth)

Q. What goes into getting a dental crown?

A. You will have to go through several appointments in order to get a traditional dental crown in Fenton. The first visit will be the consultation and treatment-planning phase, in which we determine that a crown is right for you.

The second visit will require use to prepare your tooth for your new crown. Under local anesthesia, we will file down the tooth to make room for the crown.

Impressions and molds are taken of your smile so that a dental laboratory can get the exact measurements of your teeth from which to create the perfectly fitted crown. To protect your prepared tooth from damage while your crown is being made a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth.

Once fabricated, you will come back in so we can remove the temporary crown, check the fit of the permanent crown and then cement it into place.

Q. What are dental crowns made out of?

A. Crowns can be made from everything from metal amalgam to tooth-colored porcelain. Metal crowns are often used for back teeth because they are a bit stronger.

Q. How long does a crown last?

A. This will depend on the material they are made of and how well you maintain you oral health. Your at-home care routine is important to keeping your crown healthy for up to 10 years or more.

Still didn’t get one of your questions answered? Then it’s time you turned to the source. Contact Kemlage Family Dentistry in Fenton, MO today to find out whether crowns are right for you.

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Hours of Operation

Monday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed