At South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics, we offer various restorative options for patients dealing with damaged, discolored, or cracked teeth. A popular option is dental crowns. Many patients of all ages get dental crowns to help with cavities or broken teeth. This is just one treatment option that we offer at our office.
WHAT ARE DENTAL CROWNS?
This restorative option helps to cover teeth that are badly damaged from decay, breakage, and cracks, or are weakened by a root canal. A crown is a restoration that covers the entire chewing surface of the tooth, helping restore it back to the original size and shape. Dental crowns can not only restore the look of the tooth, but also help to strengthen it in order to help prevent more damage. Crowns are a very versatile option for restoration of weak teeth. They are natural-looking so they can blend in with the rest of your teeth for inconspicuous improvement.
WHAT ARE DENTAL CROWNS MADE OF?
Dental crowns can be made from various materials. Depending on your concerns and unique treatment needs, the appropriate material will be chosen. These materials are:
- Porcelain: This type of crown is made out of solid porcelain and can be used in any area of the mouth.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal: This is a metal-based crown with porcelain on the exterior which helps it to blend in with the teeth while also providing strength and durability.
- Gold: This type of crown is most often used on the back teeth for people who grind or clench their teeth. Gold can be thinner and still maintain good strength.
HOW ARE DENTAL CROWNS PLACED?
Before getting a crown, your dentist will discuss what type of crown is best for your teeth. This will be decided based on a few factors such as the tooth’s location, the function of the tooth, position of the gum tissue, the shade of the tooth, and your preferences.
Once you and your dentist at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics have decided on a dental crown for restoration, the process will begin. It usually takes two separate visits to complete. The first step in placing a dental crown is preparation. Your dentist will prepare the tooth for the crown by removing the outer portion of the tooth so the crown will fit. After the teeth are prepared, an impression will be made to make a model for the crown. The impression can be made with a mold or from a digital scanner. At this appointment, you will receive a temporary crown to use while the dental lab is creating your permanent crown. If an all-porcelain CEREC crown is made, it can be performed completely in one visit with no need for a temporary crown. This technology allows the dentist to copy the shape and function of the existing tooth or fabricate a new tooth to replace the one that is damaged. This process can be completed in about two hours which allows you to enjoy your new tooth right away.
If laboratory-fabricated crowns are made at the second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed. Then, the teeth will be cleaned and prepared for the placement of the permanent crown. While the crown is being placed, our team will make any necessary adjustments for the most comfort and care. This completes the placement of the crown and you can begin enjoying your beautiful smile once again.
WHY DO I NEED A DENTAL CROWN?
There are various reasons that our dental team may use a dental crown as a restoration option for our patients. These include:
- A prior root canal
- Covering a discolored tooth
- Covering a dental implant
- A cracked or weakened tooth
- A large cavity
Crowns are very applicable to many different oral concerns. Crowns not only help to restore function and strength to the tooth, but can also improve cosmetic factors of the tooth such as stains or breakage. Often, patients with missing teeth also get crowns when they need a dental bridge for restoration.
ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A DENTAL CROWN?
If you have damaged, decaying teeth that need protection, then you may be an ideal candidate for a dental crown. The team at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics will help you decide if you are a good candidate for this restoration treatment. Your dentist will do a thorough examination of your mouth, especially of the decayed or damaged teeth. By talking with you to learn about your specific needs and concerns, we can decide what crown will be best for you. Dental crowns are custom-made to enhance your smile and improve the durability of your teeth. They are long-lasting and can relieve symptoms that cause discomfort or pain.
SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION
Many patients experience some form of decay, damage, or discoloration in their teeth. For a completely restored smile that you can feel confident about, come into South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics for a consultation. Call our office or fill out an online form to make your appointment.