Crowns
You may need a crown if your dentist notices that a tooth is decayed or seems weakened/cracked to the extent that a filling or bonding will not be sufficient. Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or all full gold. To maintain a natural look and feel, a porcelain covered crown is best, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth.
The process of installing a crown takes 2-3 visits to the dentist. On the first visit, the tooth will be shaped by reducing the enamel so that the crown can be placed over it. A mold will then be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. A dental lab will use this mold to fabricate a custom crown to fit the prepared tooth. Before leaving, you will be fit with a temporary crown to wear until your permanent crown is ready.
You will have another appointment in 2-3 weeks to fit and place the permanent crown. After delivery, you should care for the 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 crowns can help restore your smile.