Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a metal, porcelain, resin, or ceramic covering that fits over a tooth damaged from decay, trauma, or wear over time. At Townsley Family Dentistry, our dentists may recommend crowns to protect a weak tooth that is severely cracked or to cover a tooth that has received a root canal treatment. Crowns are made with the grooves and cusps that normal teeth have so that they can function virtually as normal teeth.
About Dental Crowns
What is a crown procedure like?
Placing a crown is a fairly involved procedure that typically requires more than one visit. However, at Townsley Family Dentistry, we offer Same-Day Crowns using advanced Sprint Ray 3D technology.
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First, the tooth receiving the crown is evaluated through an examination and X-rays. At that point, Dr. Richardson or Dr. Townsley will determine whether a root canal procedure is necessary before proceeding with the crown placement.
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The next step is to prepare the tooth by filing it down to make room for the crown. Then, an impression of the filed-down tooth and surrounding teeth will be made to send off to a dental lab for the perfect fitting of your crown. Since this will typically take at least more than a week, the dentist will place a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth while you wait.
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At your next visit, the dentist will remove your temporary crown and check the newly arrived permanent crown for fit and color. During the permanent placing of the crown, patients are given a form of anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Then, the crown is cemented into its permanent place.
What aftercare is needed when receiving a dental crown?
After having a dental crown placed, most patients experience some soreness, swelling, and irritation in the affected area for at least a few days, although it may last up to 2 weeks. Rinsing the mouth with salt water a few times daily will help with the healing process, and over-the-counter pain medications should be enough to manage the discomfort.
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It is important to continue good dental hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, with a crowned tooth to protect the tooth under the crown. If your crown is made of porcelain, it is also important to avoid chewing on hard things, like ice or popcorn hulls, to prevent cracking. If your crown has metal in it, you may see a dark line near your gum line. This is normal and is simply the metal portion showing through.
Although crowns are considered permanent, caring for your crown is important to make it last as long as possible. According to a 2021 Healthline article, with proper care and maintenance, your crown may last 15 years or longer.
Sprint Ray 3D
Same-Day Crowns
What are same-day crowns?
A same-day crown is a type of dental crown that is made and applied in one dental visit. Traditional dental crowns require the wearing of a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being manufactured (or milled), but our advanced technology allows our team to manufacture a permanent crown in our office to eliminate the need for a waiting period and multiple dental visits.
What technology is used for same-day crowns?
At Townsley Family Dentistry, we use Sprint Ray 3D technology to provide our patients with same-day crowns when the situation is appropriate. Utilizing a combination of digital dentistry, advanced 3D printing and certified materials, Dr. Richardson and Dr. Townsley are able to provide patients with both temporary and permanent restorations in the convenience of a single visit.
How long does a same-day crown take?
Same-day crowns can be manufactured in our Foley, AL, dental office in as little as 45 minutes.
How do I know if a same-day crown is right for me?
At Townsley Family Dentistry in Foley, AL, our dentists are committed to providing a personalized treatment plan that fits each patient’s unique dental needs. If Dr. Richardson or Dr. Townsley recommends a dental crown as a part of a treatment plan, the dentist will also discuss the available treatment options, including whether a traditional crown or same-day crown will provide the optimal results.
If you have more questions about same-day crowns at our Foley, AL, dental office, please request an appointment or call our office today. Our experienced dentists are available to answer your questions and help you receive the best dental care possible utilizing the latest in dental technology and advancements.