Perfectly seamless tooth restoration
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth that has been broken, treated by root canal, stained, damaged by decay, or misshapen. Custom crafted dental crowns blend seamlessly with the color and shape of your natural teeth and can last for more than 15 years. Crowns are also used to hold a dental bridge in place, top off a dental implant, or provide cosmetic enhancements for certain aesthetic modifications.
What’s the process of getting a crown?
A dental crown procedure typically requires two visits to the office, performed by your dentist. Here’s how we go about it:
Examining and preparing the tooth
Like any dental treatment, the process starts with a thorough dental examination. The dentist will clean your teeth and prepare them for a proper fit. If the tooth is broken or severely damaged by decay, the affected areas will be removed so that the dental crown can protect the tooth from further harm.
Shaping the crown
Next, dental putty is used to take an impression of your teeth. This impression will be used to create your custom porcelain crown. You will then be provided with a temporary crown to wear until your next appointment. If you are replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, an impression will also be taken of the implant and surrounding teeth. Our lab will use the impression to create your custom crown.
Placing the crown
At your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and replaced with the permanent one. The crown will be secured using durable dental cement or a hidden screw. To finish the process, the crown will be polished, and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure comfort and a secure fit.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether a crown is needed after a root canal largely depends on the location of the tooth. Teeth at the back of the mouth, such as molars and premolars, are more important for chewing and often require crowns. Incisors and canines, which are not primarily used for chewing, do not always require crowns after a root canal.
The main difference between a crown and a filling is that a crown is more durable, especially for teeth with a large biting surface. Continuous pressure from chewing or habitual clenching can cause fillings on molars to chip or come loose. A crown, being a solid piece that covers the tooth from gum line to gum line, is designed to withstand more force over time.
Dental crowns serve two essential roles in your mouth. First, they completely restore the function of your tooth, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably without pain or discomfort. Second, crowns are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. They are color matched and shaped to fit seamlessly, so much so that people may forget which tooth has the crown.
A dental post is not quite the same as a dental implant (which is surgically placed in the jawbone) but is a medical grade post that may be cemented into a prepared root canal. This post strengthens the base and core of a dental crown. Posts are used when there is not enough healthy tooth structure to reliably support a crown.
Getting a crown is similar to getting a filling, depending on the condition of the tooth. We take extra care to numb the area and use freezing as needed to ensure the process is painless. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity or soreness in the gums around the tooth, but this is usually temporary. If you are feeling anxious about the procedure, please let us know. We are happy to ensure you feel comfortable and at ease throughout your visit.
With proper care, dental crowns can last up to 15 years. However, with excellent maintenance, they can last 25 to 30 years.
Caring for a dental crown is just like caring for a natural tooth. Regular brushing and flossing will keep both the crown and the surrounding gum healthy and clean. It is also essential to maintain regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist to ensure your oral health is in optimal condition.
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