Crowns

In some cases, a tooth may have deep decay, cracks, discoloration, or other problems. In this circumstance, a filling or bonding would not be sufficient treatment. In this case, we will recommend that a crown be placed on your tooth.

A crown is a permanent covering that fits over a tooth that is decayed, damaged or cracked. They are made from a variety of materials such as porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a full gold crown. Our skills, along with one excellent dental lab help you maintain a natural looking smile.

In the process of making a crown to fit your tooth properly, it will take at least 2 visits. On the first visit, we prepare your tooth for a permanent crown and impressions are taken to send to our dental lab. Our highly trained office staff will make you a temporary crown to wear While the lab is making the permanent crown. An appointment will be scheduled for two to three weeks in order to have your permanent crown seated. Proper home care along with regular checkups can help you maintain your crown for a lifetime.

A crown is the best restorative service dentistry has to offer. It covers the entire tooth to the gum while protecting and strengthening it. As long as you have no unusual chewing habits, a crown will last indefinitely. You still need to have regular professional cleanings and exams to be certain you don’t allow decay to develop on the root surface which is not covered by the crown.

A crown may be made entirely of porcelain or of porcelain bonded to metal, non-precious metal or gold depending on the circumstances.

Before your crown appointment, it is very important to have your gums in good health. Please brush and floss the area carefully in preparation for your appointment.

At your crown appointment, the tooth will be anesthetized and some preparation will be done to make space for the crown. Usually, the tooth is prepared slightly below the gumline. An impression of your mouth is made and a temporary crown is cemented. It takes about two and a half weeks for the new crown to be fabricated.

The temporary crown may feel a little thicker and not as smooth as you are accustomed. It is cemented with a weak cement so we can remove it easily at your next appointment so you should avoid chewing heavily on it or eating sticky foods. We have very little problems with temporary crowns coming off but occasionally it happens. Please save it and let us know. We will take care of it for you.

Anytime we prepare a tooth, there may be some postoperative pain and you may have some soreness from our working around the gums. Your favorite over the counter pain tablets should be all you will need. If you have severe pain, please call. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal.

You should brush and floss your teeth. Also try to keep the area around your temporary crowns as clean as possible.

At your second appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and try the permanent crown for fit an proper shade. This can usually be done without an injection. However, if your tooth is particularly sensitive, we may need to get it numb.