Crown Specialist

If you have a damaged, discolored, or misshapen tooth, a dental crown helps restore it to its normal shape and size. At Tru Plano Dental in Plano, Texas, Miri Kim, DMD, applies crowns or other dental restoration materials to your teeth as needed to restore your smile and improve its appearance and function. If you have a damaged, awkward-looking, or painful teeth, call Dr. Kim’s office today or book an appointment online.

Crown Q & A

What is a crown?

A crown is a dental “cap” made of ceramic or porcelain. Dr. Kim permanently places it over your original tooth to strengthen it and improve its appearance. A crown fits over the top of a damaged tooth like a glove, to restore it to its original color, shape, and strength.

When is a crown necessary?

Dr. Kim may recommend a crown for you if you have a tooth that is:

• Weak from tooth decay
• Broken
• Cracked
• Severely worn down
• Misshapen
• Discolored

You may also require a crown to hold a dental bridge in place if you have missing teeth, cover a dental implant, or protect a tooth that’s been treated with a root canal.

What should I expect when receiving a crown?

Getting a dental crown is usually a two-visit procedure, which includes:

FIRST VISIT

During your first visit, Dr. Kim examines the tooth requiring a crown. She may take X-rays of your tooth and the surrounding bone to determine if your the tooth is infected and requires a root canal. To prepare your tooth for a crown, Dr. Kim:

• Files down the tooth to make room for a crown
• Applies a filling material if part of your tooth is missing
• Makes an impression of your tooth
• May use computer software to make a 3D model of your tooth
• Places a temporary crown on the tooth while your permanent crown is made

Dr. Kim sends your impressions to a dental lab, where the staff there create a permanent crown.

SECOND VISIT

Once your permanent crown is ready, which may take two to three weeks, you’ll schedule a second appointment. Dr. Kim removes the temporary crown and attaches a permanent crown to your damaged tooth with cement. She may numb the tooth with local anesthetic to enhance comfort during the procedure.

How should I care for my crown?

Crowns may last 10 to 15 years or longer if you take care of them properly. Clean your crown the same as you would with original teeth using the following good oral hygiene practices:

• Brush daily with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Get routine professional dental cleanings
• Avoid biting on hard surfaces like ice, hard candy, and popcorn hulls
• Avoid grinding and clenching your teeth
• Use a mouthguard if necessary
• Don’t use your teeth to open packages
• Avoid biting your fingernails

Getting a crown placed is minimally-invasive, but often necessary to prevent serious dental problems in the future. If you have a tooth that’s damaged, misshapen, or severely stained, call Tru Plano Dental to schedule an appointment or book one online today.