Crowns

Over time, our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, fractures, or discoloration. If you feel your smile isn't what it once was, crowns can help you recover your smile. If your dentist notices that a tooth is decayed or seems weakened or cracked, a crown may be necessary to make sure the tooth is properly protected from future damage. In cases like this, a filling or bonding will not be sufficient. Crowns are also used to properly protect a tooth that has received root canal therapy.

Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain-fused to metal, or from all metal.  The type selected depends upon where the crown is located in the mouth and the esthetic and strength demands required.

The process of installing a crown takes 2-3 visits.  On the first visit,  (assuming the tooth foundation is adequate), the tooth will be reshaped by tapering the tooth so that the crown can be placed over it. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab so that your new crown can be made to fit over your tooth so it blends naturally with the surrounding teeth. Before leaving, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown for protection until your permanent crown is ready.

The crown generally takes about 2-3 weeks to be returned to your dentist.   At this visit, the crown is adjusted and permanently positioned with a  special dental cement.  Crowns are durable and will usually last 10-15 or more years. You should care for your crown 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 our crown procedure can help restore your smile.