A Dental Crown is a budget-friendly dental procedure designed to restore and strengthen damaged and decayed teeth. Dental Crowns are used for different types of dental procedures that include large cavities, and fractured teeth. Dental Crowns can also be used along with other restorative dental procedures including root canals and dental bridges.
Dental Crowns are actually tooth-shaped caps that your dentist places directly over your tooth to restore its original size and shape. The American Dental Association explains that Dental Crowns also strengthen the tooth while improving its appearance at the same time. When a Dental Crown is permanently cemented into place, it will fully encase the visible part of your tooth just above your gum line.
Your dentist may recommend a Dental Crown to,
Protect a weak tooth that has been damaged by decay
Restore a cracked tooth
Cover and support a larger filling
Hold a dental bridge in its place
Cover discolored teeth
Restore a broken tooth that is worn down
Cover a dental implant,
Cover a misshaped tooth
For cosmetic modifications
There are several types of permanent Dental Crowns that your dentist may use including stainless steel, all metal, porcelain fused to metal, all resin, all-ceramic, or all porcelain.
If your dentist decides that a Dental Crown is best for your particular situation, two dental appointments will be set aside. Your first visit will involve tooth examination and preparation, with placement occurring during your second Dental Crown appointment.
During your first Dental Crown appointment, your dentist will examine the tooth in question before taking a few x-rays. If there is extensive decay in the tooth, a root canal therapy treatment may be required before the Dental Crown can be placed.
Before your dentist makes your new Dental Crown, an anesthetic will be used to numb the area. Your tooth will then be filed down to make room for your new Dental Crown. The amount that your dentist removes will depend on what type of Dental Crown you and your dentist have decided to use.
After your tooth has been reshaped, your dentist will make an impression or mold of the tooth that will be receiving the Dental Crown. After the mold is made, it will be sent to a dental lab for manufacturing. A temporary Dental Crown will be placed while your permanent crown is being made.
During your second Dental Crown visit, your dentist will remove your temporary crown before checking your new permanent crown for color and fit. If satisfied, your dentist will numb the area before cementing your new Dental Crown in place.
If you have a question or would like to know more about a Dental Crown, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.