Dental Crowns
Most dentistry looks like dentistry. Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth.
When loss of natural tooth structure has occurred due to decay, fracture, or restorations, a porcelain or zirconia crown may be the best option. These crowns can restore your tooth with great esthetics along with good strength to handle your everyday chewing. This treatment can be very beneficial to maintaining the longevity of your teeth.
How long does it take to fit a dental crown?
Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, take an impression that is sent to a dental lab, and fit it with a temporary crown.
Approximately two weeks later, we will remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you will have a new beautiful looking tooth.
Key Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Offers support to misshapen teeth or broken teeth
- Offers added strength to teeth with large restorations.
- Looks very natural
- Fixes “smile” and functional chewing problems
What are the capabilities of crowns?
Crown and bridgework is a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused through accidents, diseases or wear and tear. Major problems can many times be corrected using these techniques. Material used in these repairs is either high-grade porcelain, zirconia, gold, or porcelain bonded to metal. When loss of tooth structure has occurred from excessive wear, decay, or fracture, crowns can be used to increase the long term prognosis of the tooth.
Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, which is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth can relieve the pain and allow a return of full dental function for these teeth. In front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and cause “appearance” problems due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges may be suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not. In teeth with root canal fillings, crowns can prevent breakage.
Steps for completing a crown
Your First Appointment:
- The tooth is shaped and prepared for a crown.
- An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
- A temporary crown is placed on the tooth.
At the Lab: The crown is made specifically to your model for a great fit and shade match.
Your Second Appointment:
- The temporary crown is removed.
- The tooth is cleaned and the crown is adjusted.
- The crown is cemented on.