Dental Crowns in Greensboro, NC

You may be a candidate for a dental crown if you have damaged or severely decayed teeth. Schedule an appointment with your dentist if your teeth are causing pain, discomfort, or are visibly damaged or discolored. Depending on the cause of your dental issues, your dentist may suggest a dental crown or another restorative treatment. Call our Greensboro dental office today.

Dental crowns last up to 15 years when carefully made and properly placed. Maintaining strong oral health habits such as brushing twice per day, flossing once per day, and seeing your dentist every 6 months can enhance your crown’s longevity. Same-day crowns can be slightly less durable, but they can still last several years with proper care.

Treat your dental crown just as you would with a natural tooth. Be sure to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, ensuring that the full surface of every tooth is polished. Floss at least once per day for a few minutes, preferably at night. Make sure to floss against the tooth and below the gum line. Visit your dentist every six months for a check-up to make sure that your crown and surrounding teeth are in good health.

Dental crowns that are required for restorative purposes are typically covered by insurance. The exact amount of coverage you receive will depend on the deductible and yearly limits of your policy.

If you are receiving a crown for cosmetic purposes, the treatment may not be covered by insurance. Consult with your insurer to make sure your procedure is covered.

The crown procedure involves filing down and shaping your teeth before bonding a crown. While the procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is painless, once the anesthetic wears off, you may feel some tenderness, sensitivity, and irritation. This may last for a few days but should be mild enough to respond to mild pain medication.

Rinse your mouth with saline solutions a few times a day to reduce inflammation. If your teeth are feeling sensitive, avoid hot and cold foods and drinks, brush your teeth with toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and apply a desensitizing gel. 

If pain continues, we recommend anti-inflammatory pain medication such as ibuprofen. Though you can eat what you want after the crown procedure, avoiding hard, chewy, and sticky foods may help reduce discomfort. 

You can also chew on the opposite side of the mouth for the first few days and wait a couple of days before flossing around this crown. Your gums may also feel some slight irritation or sensitivity when exposed to dental cement. However, this discomfort should not last for weeks. If you notice the discomfort is prolonged or severe, contact Dr. Jah right away.

Developing tooth decay under a dental crown is common in patients who do not practice good oral hygiene. While your tooth is covered on all sides by a durable and strong material that protects your tooth from damage, this won’t prevent you from developing tooth decay and gum disease if you fail to properly brush and floss. 

Decay forms when plaque accumulates around the gum line and is introduced to the underlying tooth where the tooth and crown meet. If left untreated, the cavity will spread and get bigger, putting the deeper layers of the tooth at risk. 

When it reaches the dental pulp, you are at risk of infection. This is why practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups are so important. A dentist can examine your crowns to check on their condition and take x-rays to look for signs of underlying tooth decay.

• Your crowns are loose
• Your crown has fallen off
• You feel significant pain and sensitivity when biting down
• There are gaps between your crown and other teeth
• A dark line is forming around the gum line of the crown
• Your bite feels “off”

These symptoms are signs of a failing crown or issues that can cause a failing crown, including tooth decay, damage, metal allergies, and improper placement. If you think your crown is failing, contact us at Evergreen Dental Co. today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tariq Jah.