How can we help you?
We welcome your questions and encourage you to ask away!
We understand that choosing a dentist for your family is a big decision and you want to make the best choice. Here are some of the most common questions we receive in our office.
If you have a question and don't see it on the list, just give us a call! We are always happy to help and want to help you feel confident in choosing Prairie Dental Care for your family's dental needs.
Crowns and Bridges
If you have a tooth that is broken or weakened, your dentist in Aurora, IL, may suggest a dental crown as the best way to preserve your natural tooth. Dental crowns cover your entire tooth and are designed to support the tooth and help it function. Although dental crowns are an excellent treatment option, you should be aware of potential complications.
What Complications Can Occur With Dental Crowns?
Keep in mind that dental crowns are incredibly safe, but there are several potential risks you should keep in mind, including the following:
- Sensitivity – If your dental crown doesn’t fit correctly over your entire tooth, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Bite issues – If your crown doesn’t fit properly, you may have trouble biting down normally.
- Tooth decay – Even with a dental crown, your natural tooth can still develop a cavity.
- Chipped crown – Today’s dental crowns are made of strong materials, but you could still potentially chip your crown and need your dentist to repair or replace it.
- Loose crown – Over time, your dental crown could become loose, so pay attention to any movement you feel in the crown area.
- Gum irritation or recession – Dental crowns can cause your gums to be red, inflamed, or recede.
- Allergic reaction – Although rare, you could be allergic to one of the materials used in dental crowns.
If you experience any issues with your dental crown, it’s essential to call your dentist as soon as possible so they can help.
Are You Considering Dental Crowns in Aurora, IL?
If you would like to speak with a member of our dental team about dental crowns or any other dental needs, please get in touch with us at (630) 907-0330 for more information
How long your tooth crown will last depends on multiple factors, including how excellent your oral hygiene is and the type of material that makes up your crown.
Dental crowns cannot decay like your regular teeth, which means you don’t have to worry about cavities or root canals for the tooth crown itself. Your artificial crowns are still susceptible to damage, such as fracturing and cracking, however, and it’s still possible for your remaining natural tooth structure underneath the crown to decay.
When Do Dental Crowns Need to Be Replaced?
When it comes to the lifespan of a dental crown, a rough average is approximately ten years. In reality, tooth crowns can last anywhere from five years to more than twenty years—occasionally even lasting a lifetime for patients who are meticulous with their dental care.
The life of your tooth crown will depend on:
- How well you brush and floss
- Whether you stay current on your six-month dental checkups
- Your diet
- Whether you experience any facial trauma that could damage the crown
- How quickly you seek treatment after you notice a fracture or problem with your dental crown
- Whether your tooth crown is made of metal, porcelain, resin, or another material
If you have a question about the lifespan of your dental crown in Aurora, IL, our knowledgeable dentists can provide the answers. Feel free to call Prairie Dental Care during our business hours Monday through Saturday at (630) 907-0330.
Restorations restore the structure of your teeth, but they do not prevent decay. While you can’t get a cavity on the actual filling or crown, the margins and the rest of your tooth can still sustain decay.
Secondary Decay
When you have a filling or crown on a tooth and decay occurs, this is called secondary decay. It usually happens around the margins of a crown, near your gumline. It can also happen if your crown has been damaged due to an accident or because of teeth grinding. It only takes a microscopic break to allow bacteria in.
In the case of a filling, secondary decay can occur anywhere on the tooth. It might be near your filling, or it could be between your teeth or on another part of your tooth.
Discovering the Extent of the Cavity on Tooth
We will take a digital x-ray so that we can determine the extent of the decay, and that way, we will know how best to treat you. You may need an additional filling or a whole new crown, depending on the damage. Your treatment options will depend on your situation. Either Dr. Wang or Dr. Ma will discuss this with you. Even with a filling or crown, good home care with brushing and flossing is essential. Contact our dentist office in Aurora, IL for more information.