Dental Crowns: An FAQ

Dental crowns can help protect tooth enamel and cover up cosmetic defects in your teeth. If you’ve never had a crown, there may be many things you’d like to know about crowns before one is installed. If you have questions about dental crowns, your dentist in St. Paul MN has answers. In this FAQ, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about dental crowns.

What are dental crowns made from?

Dental crowns can be made from many materials including composite resin, metal, porcelain and acrylic. Most dental crown materials are colored like natural teeth, but metallic dental crowns are metal colored. If it’s important to you to have a dental crown that looks like a natural tooth, talk to your dentist.

How long do dental crowns last?

How long a dental crown lasts depends on the material it’s made from. Resin crowns are a budget material that may only last about five years. Other materials last longer, with metal crowns being the most durable and lasting for as long as 15 years. The service life of your dental crowns depends on how well you take care of them.

How are dental crowns maintained?

Dental crowns are maintained in much the same way as your natural teeth. Brush your crowns twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss once daily. See the dentist every six months for check-ups.

Who needs dental crowns?

You may be a good candidate for a dental crown if you have a damaged tooth with weakened tooth enamel. The crown will protect the tooth enamel and prevent it from further cracking or deteriorating. If you have a dental implant, a crown will sit on top of the implant to make your implant look like a natural tooth.

If you need a dental crown, your dentist will talk to you about it at your next dental appointment.

If your dentist thinks you need a dental crown, you may have more questions than the ones you see here. We’re happy to answer your questions about dental crowns in St. Paul, MN. Call today to find out more.