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!
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!
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.
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:
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.
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
SECOND VISIT
If you’d like to learn more about our cosmetic, restorative or preventative dentistry services, contact us today.