Crowns
What are crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps used to support a severely damaged or decaying tooth. Once bonded in place, they restore your affected tooth to its near-original appearance, shape, and size. Crowns are sturdy, durable, and typically last 10-15 years.
What is the process for getting a crown?
Getting a crown typically takes two appointments spaced a few weeks apart.
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First, the Nashville Smile Creations team conducts an oral exam and takes a series of oral X-rays. They then administer a local anesthetic and prepare your tooth by carefully shaving the top and sides. Finally, your provider takes impressions of your tooth and sends them to a dental laboratory that crafts a custom crown.
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Several weeks later, you return to the office, and your provider lines up your new crown with your affected tooth. Once the crown is in position, your provider bonds it in place using dental cement.
How do I take care of a crown?
You take care of crowns just like you would your natural teeth. Nashville Smile Creations recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the office every six months for routine preventive care like an oral exam and cleaning.
Avoiding bad habits is essential too. Nail-biting, opening objects with your teeth, and chewing on ice cubes can chip, crack, or otherwise damage your crowns.