I Had My Root Canal. Now What?

Root Canal therapy is sometimes necessary to repair a severely decayed or injured tooth. A root canal procedure can clear away bacteria or debris and then seal off the root canal so that the tooth will no longer ache or spread infection. But what happens after the root canal procedure? Your Ankeny dentist Dr. Foust is skilled at restoring teeth with lifelike, attractive dental crowns. A dental crown can return durability and strength to one’s teeth. In today’s blog Dr. Foust answers frequently asked questions about dental crowns.

Q: What kind of dental crowns does Dr. Foust offer?

A: For teeth that are visible when you smile such as your front teeth, Dr. Foust prefers to place all-ceramic crowns. Ceramic can be tinted to a variety of shades so that it matches the color of surrounding teeth. Dr. Foust selects porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or gold crowns for back teeth that must withstand greater forces from chewing.

Q: What is the process for receiving a dental crown?

A: Dr. Foust will place a crown over the course of two dental visits. At the first appointment, Dr. Foust will remove tooth decay or debris, clean the tooth, and attach a temporary crown. She will send molds of the tooth to a dental lab where an experienced ceramist will create your custom-fitted crown. Once the permanent crown is completed, you will return to our Ankeny office to receive the final crown.

Q: How long does a dental crown last?

A: With daily brushing and flossing, a dental crown can last five to eight years or much longer. At every check up and cleaning, Dr. Foust will check on your crown. If you grind teeth or crunch ice or other hard foods, you risk damaging your crown.

About your Ankeny Dentist

Dental Impressions provides expert family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in a calming environment. Dr. Amanda Foust is a mother herself, and she understands how to put children at ease when they come into her office. Her cosmetic services include porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and cosmetic bonding. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call (515) 965-0230. Dr. Foust proudly treats families in Ankeny, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities.