Crowns are used when the upper surface of a tooth has deteriorated past the point where a simple filling or bonding can repair the tooth. Crowns are also used when a tooth has been treated with a root canal, or when a dental implant has been placed and requires a natural looking restoration.

Crowns used to be made of varying types of metal; today, technology allows natural looking porcelain (or porcelain "pasted" over gold) to be used instead — creating a high quality, long lasting restoration that looks, feels, and functions like your real tooth.

Dental crowns are used to create both a functional chewing surface and an aesthetically pleasing look. The benefits of modern porcelain or porcelain over gold crowns are many, as they provide:

• A practical, long lasting solution to broken, decayed, or compromised teeth.
• Support to misshapen or badly broken teeth, as well as to adjacent teeth.
• A natural looking appearance, in contrast to older crown materials.
• Restoration of functionality as well as a pleasing appearance.
• An answer to pain in the back teeth caused by old fillings or hairline cracks.

Crowns combined with bridgework or dental implants can replace missing teeth completely, providing a natural looking smile that works as designed for speech and for eating.

As with any situation in which anesthesia is used, your mouth, gums, and tongue may feel numb for some time. Avoid drinking hot beverages or chewing until this sensation wears off.

While you have the temporary crown, also avoid sticky foods (especially gum), hard foods (don't crunch ice or hard candy) and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Brush normally, and floss with caution, sliding the floss out from between the teeth from the front instead of popping it back up.

If the temporary crown were to come off, which happens occasionally, don't panic. Call us at 913-390-5110 and let us know your crown detached. Bring the temporary crown with you to the appointment we will give you, so it can be re-cemented in place. It is very important that your tooth be covered by the temporary restoration to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth and causing an infection.

It is completely normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. This sensitivity should subside within a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may be used as directed by our office, as long as you don't have contraindications.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns about your new dental crown, please call our office.