Crowns & Bridges

What is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a restoration that covers a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size. It can also strengthen and improve the appearance of the tooth.

When is a Dental Crown necessary?

Dental crowns restore the function and integrity of missing tooth structure, which can be caused by dental cavities or external trauma, such as chipping or cracking a tooth.

Dental crowns are necessary when a tooth has had significant damage and can’t be adequately restored with just a filling. A crown can protect a weak tooth from fracturing. And it can also prevent a cracked tooth from further damage. Crowns can cover discolored or misshapen teeth for a more pleasing, natural smile.

How many visits to my dentist will be needed to create a Dental Crown?

Creating or fabricating a dental crown usually requires two dental visits. The first visit involves an examination of the tooth to determine how it should be restored and preparing the tooth for the restoration. This may include a core build-up, creation of a temporary crown and making an impression to be sent to the dental laboratory. The second visit usually involves placing of the final dental crown, which has been fabricated in the laboratory.

How is a Dental Crown created?

The dentist may use a filling material to restore a more ideal shape for supporting a crown (core build-up) when a tooth is severely decayed or fractured and lacks sufficient tooth structure. In some cases, a root canal may be needed where the dental pulp is cleared out of the tooth and the canal is sealed with a special material. After the endodontic root canal procedure, the dentist may place a post in the open canal and secure it with dental filling to “build up” the structure of the tooth. Once the material has hardened, the tooth can be prepared for a crown.

Will a crown look natural?

Yes, a crown can be fabricated from porcelain, from gold, or from a combination of porcelain and metal. A crown can look just like a natural tooth when it is made with porcelain coverage. Many factors go into deciding which crown material is best for your particular tooth, including the color, bite, shape, space, and location of the tooth in your mouth.

How should I care for my teeth after I receive a crown?

To prevent damaging or fracturing the crown, avoid chewing extremely hard foods and ice. Also should avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. In addition to brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly, cleaning between your teeth is essential if you have crowns.

Use floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. This process will help to prevent dental decay and gum disease.