Crowns
Over time our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks and discoloration. If you feel your smile isn’t what it once was, crowns can help you recover your smile. If we find that a tooth is decayed or seems weakened/cracked, a crown may be necessary to make sure that there are no additional problems with the tooth. In cases like this a filling or bonding, would not be sufficient.
The process of placing a crown usually takes 2 visits to our office. On your first visit, the tooth will be reshaped so that a crown can be placed over it. You will be given a local anesthetic before this part of the procedure to eliminate any discomfort. Once the tooth has been reshaped, an impression will be taken. This impression is sent to our dental lab. Before leaving, we will place a temporary crown.
It takes about 2 weeks to have your permanent crown returned from our lab. At this time, you will have another appointment to place your permanent crown. You will again have a local anesthetic to numb the area. The crown is placed using a dental cement. Crowns are durable and will usually last about 10-15 years. You should care for it as you would any of your other teeth with regular brushing and flossing.
Call us today if you would like to learn more about how crowns can restore your smile.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a full gold crown. To maintain a natural look and feel a porcelain finished crown is best, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth.