Most people have a good grasp of basic dental procedures, such as cleanings and fillings. But when the need for more than basic care becomes necessary, questions often arise.

A good example of a more complicated dental procedure that patients may not fully understand is the dental crown. If you or someone you love is scheduled to have a dental crown procedure, the following information can help make the process easier to understand and outline some benefits it can provide. 

The basics of dental crowns

When dental patients have one or more teeth that have become too damaged for simple fillings, dental crowns can offer a solution. Crowns are actually something like caps made from porcelain, resin, ceramics or metal that are permanently installed over the prepared tooth.

Dental crowns can be installed on one or multiple teeth, depending on the needs of the dental patient. The dentist will remove part of the surface of the tooth, usually by a process of filing. The amount that will need to be removed will depend on the material being used to make the crowns and the condition of the tooth.

In situations where most of the tooth is gone or will need to be removed due to decay or damage, the dentist will construct a temporary tooth similar to the original from dental putty. Impressions are then made of both the teeth to be crowned and the teeth above or below them to ensure that the finished crown will not affect the normal bite pattern of the patient. 

The benefits of dental crowns

One of the first benefits dental patients may notice after getting a dental crown is the ease of care. Shaped like the patient's own tooth, dental crowns rarely need more than a good oral health routine of brushing and flossing, along with regular dental exams and cleanings to maintain their condition after installation.

Longevity is another benefit that dental crowns can provide for dental patients. Patients who take care to provide good oral hygiene and avoid habits like chewing on ice or biting fingernails can expect to get many years of use from their investment. 

When preparing to have one or more dental crowns installed, dental patients will want to check with their insurance provider to determine if their policy provides some level of coverage for the procedure.  

Patients should also make sure that they discuss any questions or reservations they may have about dental crowns with their dental health care provider before scheduling the procedure. 

Contact a local dentist to learn more about dental crowns.