Want to improve the look of a discolored tooth or restore one that has cracked or decayed? A crown might be the answer! Schedule your visit to meet the team at Westport Dental and restore your smile!
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown, also known as a tooth cap, covers the entire tooth structure. A dental crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with dental fillings.
When Dental Crowns are Necessary
Over time, our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks or discoloration. Crowns are used to renew the appearance and function of a tooth.
Crowns are not limited to just replacing the original tooth but can be designed to create an even better aesthetic appearance. A crown is usually recommended when there is a broken or fractured tooth, severely decay tooth, after a root canal, or to enhance the look of a tooth. Each crown is customized to your individual tooth in shape, size, and shade.
Other reasons for needing a dental crown include:
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of a tooth left.
- To cover severely discolored teeth.
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
Also, they are often used in conjunction with root canal therapy, dental implants or as an anchor for a bridge. Crowns are typically made from porcelain in order to maintain strength and a natural appearance. The process of placing a crown may take 1-2 office visits.
Dental Crown Procedure
The normal procedure for a crown consists of two appointments. The first to prepare the tooth for a crown as well as take an impression and make a temporary crown. At Westport Dental there are not traditional “messy” impressions, instead, we have the latest technology digital scanner that takes pictures of your tooth in order to make your customized crown.
After the initial appointment, the digital scan will be sent to a local lab and the turn around time is about two weeks. The second appointment will consist of cementing/bonding the final crown onto the tooth. It is recommended that you regularly (twice a year) get a checkup to make sure the new crown remains in working order.
A more detailed crown procedure is as follows:
FIRST VISIT
- X-rays will be taken to check the roots. A root canal may be performed first if extensive decay or risk of infection is present.
- Anesthesia is used and the tooth receiving the crown will be filed down to make room.
- Your dentist will make an impression of the tooth using paste or putty. These impressions are sent to the lab where the crown will be manufactured.
- A temporary crown is placed while the crown is being made.
SECOND VISIT
- Once your permanent crown arrives, your temporary crown will be removed and your permanent crown placed over your tooth to ensure the right fit and color.
- If the permanent crown is acceptable, anesthetic will be used and the crown is permanently cemented in place.
If you’d like to learn more about our cosmetic, restorative or preventative dentistry services, contact us today.
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