Dentist in St. Catharines: Complete Dental Crown Guide
Dental crowns restore damaged teeth to full function and appearance, but many patients don’t understand when this treatment becomes necessary. Finding an experienced dentist in St. Catharines who can explain crown options and procedures helps patients make confident treatment decisions. At Pavilion Dentistry in St. Catharines, the dental team provides comprehensive crown services using modern materials and techniques for optimal results.
Understanding Dental Crowns and Their Purpose
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. These restorations protect weakened teeth, restore function, and improve appearance. A skilled dentist in St. Catharines can determine when crowns are the best treatment option.
What Dental Crowns Accomplish:
- Protect teeth weakened by large fillings
- Restore cracked or fractured teeth
- Cover teeth after root canal treatment
- Improve appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth
- Support dental bridges replacing missing teeth
Crowns essentially become the new outer surface of the tooth, providing strength and protection while maintaining natural appearance and function.
Signs That Indicate You Need a Crown from Your Dentist in St. Catharines
Large Fillings Compromising Tooth Structure
When fillings occupy more than half of a tooth’s structure, the remaining natural tooth becomes vulnerable to fracture. Your dentist in St. Catharines may recommend a crown to protect the weakened tooth.
Warning Signs of Failing Large Fillings:
- Sensitivity to temperature or pressure
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Visible cracks in tooth structure
- Filling edges separating from tooth
- Food consistently catching in same area
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Tooth cracks range from minor surface lines to severe fractures extending into the root. A dentist in St. Catharines evaluates crack severity to determine if crown treatment can save the tooth.
Common Symptoms of Cracked Teeth:
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Pain that comes and goes
- Sensitivity to temperature extremes
- Discomfort when releasing bite pressure
Your dentist in St. Catharines uses various diagnostic methods including special lights, dyes, and X-rays to identify cracks and determine appropriate treatment.
Post-Root Canal Protection
Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment become more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown provides essential protection for these structurally compromised teeth.
Why Root Canal Teeth Need Crowns:
- Root canal removes tooth’s blood supply
- Teeth become dehydrated and brittle over time
- Chewing forces can easily fracture weakened structure
- Crowns prevent fractures and tooth loss
Delaying crown placement after root canal treatment increases fracture risk significantly. Your dentist in St. Catharines will recommend appropriate timing based on tooth location and condition.
Crown Material Options from Your Dentist in St. Catharines
Porcelain Crowns for Natural Appearance
Porcelain crowns provide the most natural appearance, making them ideal for visible front teeth. Modern porcelain materials offer excellent strength and aesthetics.
Porcelain Crown Advantages:
- Closely mimics natural tooth translucency
- Can be color-matched precisely to adjacent teeth
- Stain-resistant with proper care
- Metal-free option for patients with sensitivities
Zirconia Crowns for Strength and Aesthetics
Zirconia represents the newest crown material, combining strength with aesthetics. Many dentists in St. Catharines now prefer zirconia for its versatility.
Zirconia Crown Advantages:
- Exceptional strength for any tooth location
- Natural appearance suitable for front teeth
- Biocompatible and tissue-friendly
- Excellent long-term durability
Gold Crowns for Durability
Gold crowns offer unmatched durability for back teeth where appearance is less critical.
Gold Crown Advantages:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Requires minimal tooth reduction
- Gentle on opposing teeth during chewing
- Rarely chips or fractures
The dentist in St. Catharines at Pavilion Dentistry helps patients select crown materials based on tooth location, bite forces, and aesthetic needs.
Crown Preparation Process and What to Expect
First Appointment: Tooth Preparation
The crown process typically requires two appointments separated by 2-3 weeks. The first visit involves tooth preparation and temporary crown placement.
Step-by-Step Preparation Process:
- Local anesthetic numbs tooth and surrounding tissue
- Dentist removes damaged structure and shapes tooth
- Digital scan or impression captures precise tooth details
- Shade selection ensures natural-looking result
- Temporary crown protects tooth between appointments
The first appointment typically takes 60-90 minutes. Your dentist in St. Catharines ensures comfort throughout the procedure.
Temporary Crown Care Between Appointments
Temporary crowns require special care to prevent damage or dislodgement before the permanent crown is ready.
Temporary Crown Care Instructions:
- Avoid sticky foods like caramel or taffy
- Chew on opposite side when possible
- Brush gently around temporary crown
- Floss carefully, pulling out sideways not upward
When to Contact Your Dentist in St. Catharines:
- Temporary crown becomes loose or falls off
- Sensitivity increases significantly
- Bite feels uneven or uncomfortable
Most temporary crowns stay in place without problems. If one does come off, save it and contact Pavilion Dentistry in St. Catharines immediately for recementation.
Second Appointment: Permanent Crown Placement
The final appointment involves removing the temporary crown and permanently cementing the custom-made restoration.
Permanent Crown Placement Process:
- Temporary crown removed and tooth cleaned
- Crown checked for proper fit and contact
- Bite evaluated and adjusted if needed
- Permanent cement placed and crown seated
- Final bite check ensures comfortable function
The second appointment typically takes 30-60 minutes. Some sensitivity is normal for a few days as the tooth adjusts to the new crown.
Long-Term Crown Care and Maintenance
Properly maintained crowns can last 15-30 years or longer. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits ensure crown longevity.
Crown Care Guidelines:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily around crown margins
- Avoid using teeth as tools
- Wear nightguard if grinding teeth
- Maintain regular dental check-ups
Signs of Crown Problems:
- Sensitivity that persists or worsens
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Crown feels loose or moves
- Dark line appears at gum line
At Pavilion Dentistry in St. Catharines, the experienced dental team provides comprehensive crown services from initial consultation through long-term maintenance. Understanding when crowns are needed and what to expect during treatment helps patients feel confident about this important dental restoration.
Need a dental crown or want to learn if crown treatment is right for you? Contact Pavilion Dentistry at 905-641-2242 to schedule a consultation with your trusted dentist in St. Catharines.
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