Dr. Albert Caves is one of a few dentists in Columbus to offer patients same-day dental crowns. Using advanced CAD/CAM technology, Dr. Caves designs and fabricates dental crowns in our Columbus, GA dental office. We can make beautiful and brand new dental crowns in just a few minutes.
Dental crowns are a restorative dental treatment we offer in Columbus. You will come in for an exam, then wait in our office while Dr. Caves makes the cosmetic crown. He will place it in your mouth on the same visit, meaning you get faster and more comfortable treatment.
While you wait, Dr. Caves will craft your new crown out of porcelain, which closely mimics natural tooth enamel. When your crown is complete, he will permanently place it into your mouth. The entire process takes just one visit, so you don’t have to worry about wearing a temporary crown or making a second appointment.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a permanent covering that fits over an original tooth. The prosthetic can repair decayed, damaged, or cracked teeth after a root canal procedure. Dental crowns can consist of different materials, such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin, or a mix of these materials. When possible, Dr. Caves uses porcelain for these restorations because of its natural look.
The primary use for dental crowns is to protect and strengthen a weak tooth. Crowns can also make a damaged or misshapen tooth look better. They restore broken teeth and cover teeth with large fillings when there’s not enough tooth left. Crowns can hold a dental bridge in place or cover a dental implant.
Overall, dental crowns are versatile and important for keeping your smile healthy, functional, and attractive.
The Dental Crown Procedure
If you need a crown, our office can make it while you wait. That’s right, you can get a new crown in just one visit. First, you will come in for an exam and X-ray, and then our dentist will prepare the tooth that needs the crown. Next, he will take an impression of your teeth to use in our in-house lab.
Dr. Caves uses the latest technology in his office to give patients the option of “Crown in a Day” or same-day crowns. The CEREC technology digitally maps the tooth and creates a porcelain dental crown in a single visit. You don’t wait weeks, no temporaries, and no worrying about how the final restoration will fit, feel and look.
We can even change the fit and color of your new crown before you even leave the office. Our patients love this advanced technology because it saves the time and money, and means fewer visits. The quality is also impressive. Our CEREC dental crowns look just like natural teeth and consist of high-quality porcelain.
How To Care For Dental Crowns
Once the procedure is complete, you must practice proper dental hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing will keep your restoration healthy. Dental crowns can get decay around the edges, so brushing and flossing are crucial to keep them lasting longer. A dental crown will last for many years, even a lifetime, if cared for properly.
Ceramic tooth crowns are strong and highly resistant to stains from foods and drinks. However, they aren’t unbreakable. Caring for your new dental crowns is important to ensure they last a long time. Here are some tips to follow:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss gently around your crown to get rid of food and plaque. This helps prevent plaque buildup, decay and gum disease around your crowns.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Try not to eat hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candy. They can break, crack, and damage your crown. Try to avoid these foods or chew them on the other side of your mouth to protect your crown.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. They will check your crowns, clean them, and make sure they still fit well.
- Avoid Sticky Foods: Chewy and sticky foods can loosen or damage your crown, so it’s best to avoid them. Foods like caramel and gum can pull on your crown and make it loose, or even pull it out.
- Wear a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a night guard can protect your crowns from wear and tear. Your dentist can make one that fits you well.
By following these tips, you can keep your dental crowns in good shape and enjoy a healthy smile for many years. When you are ready to improve your dental health with same-day dental crown, schedule an appointment today.