Questions for Your Huntsville Dentist
Dr. Brian Cook knows that patients who are more involved with their dental care tend to experience fewer problems and better oral health. Patient education plays a large part in the services and treatments we offer, and answering your questions is part of that.
Anytime you have a question, don't hesitate to call us. There is a lot to know about your oral health care, and you deserve to have all the information you need to make confident, informed decisions. Our dental team is experienced and knowledgeable and always happy to find the answers you need.
Here are a few of the questions our patients ask most frequently, but you may have others you don't see here. Please call us at (256) 539-4079, and we'll be happy to assist you.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
A dental crown is a restoration designed to closely mimic and completely cover a severely damaged or decayed tooth. The crown closely mimics your compromised tooth's shape and shade to blend flawlessly into your smile.
Our dentists typically recommend porcelain crowns for visible teeth because they can customize the porcelain to complement your smile. However, gold crowns may be recommended for molars. Gold is durable and biocompatible, making it an excellent choice for teeth that absorb the most impact of chewing force.
The Process of Completing Dental Crowns in Huntsville, AL
You'll need two visits with your Huntsville dentist to complete a dental crown.
At the first visit, your dentist prepares your tooth for its new restoration, takes impressions of your smile for accuracy, and creates a temporary crown for you to wear while a dental lab handcrafts the final version.
The dental lab will take two to three weeks to finish your final crown. When it's ready, you'll return to Twickenham Family Dentistry to have your new tooth permanently placed by one of our dentists.
We'll make any necessary adjustments to the crown at the time of placement, and then you can enjoy your new tooth fully.
If you have questions about dental crowns, call your team at Twickenham Family Dentistry at (256) 539-4079 for more information.
Dental crowns generally last between 10 and 15 years with proper care, a similar survival rate to dental bridges. The material your dentist uses makes a difference in how long it lasts. Porcelain crowns match your natural teeth and hold up well with good oral hygiene. At Twickenham Family Dentistry, we may recommend gold crowns for your back teeth, which are often subjected to heavy chewing. These crowns can last even longer than porcelain crowns. Dental bridges are generally made from porcelain, metal, zirconia, resin, or some combination of these materials.
Your daily oral health habits impact longevity as well.
Flossing your teeth daily, including around the crown or dental bridge, helps prevent bacteria from accumulating in the area. Brushing twice daily also protects your restorations. If you grind your teeth at night, getting a custom nightguard from your dentist will protect your dental work from excessive wear.
What you put in your mouth also plays a role in longevity. Stay away from things that can harm your crown or bridge, like chewing ice, opening things with your teeth, or biting down on hard foods in the area where your restoration lives. The location of your crown or bridge also plays a role. Back teeth are stronger and can handle more chewing force than front teeth, which may impact your restoration’s longevity.
Get regular checkups at your dentist so that they can monitor your crown or bridge’s condition and catch minor problems before they become more serious and costly.
Schedule Your Crown Consultation Today
If you need a dental bridge or dental crown in Huntsville, or want to check on an existing one, call Twickenham Family Dentistry at (256) 539-4079.