In our office, we always try to preserve your natural teeth whenever it is feasible. But sometimes the loss of tooth structure is so extensive that we can restore the tooth only by placing a crown- a tooth-shaped “cap” over the tooth to cover it and restore its shape, size and strength, and often times to improve its appearance. The crown, when cemented into place, fully encases the entire visible portion of the tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
The following situations are examples of when a crown is needed:
- To protect a weak tooth- for instance, from decay- from breaking
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling that is breaking down and there is insufficient tooth structure remaining
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover a dental implant
- To make a cosmetic modification
We typically recommend gold or porcelain crowns depending on the location in your mouth. A crown requires two appointments. Your tooth is reshaped at the initial appointment and impressions are taken of your jaw and related teeth. This allows us to make very accurate models which the lab will use to fabricate your crown. It is really important to have healthy gums in order to ensure precise impressions and have a good fit for the final crown.
Before you leave the office, you will have a provisional crown on the prepared tooth. This ensures that the tooth is protected and proper space is maintained. It also allows you to eat normally (except for certain foods!) and keeps your smile beautiful!
You need to exercise care with the temporary crown in order to avoid damaging it. No chewing hard, sticky or chewy foods and NO gum. Continue to brush and floss that area. When flossing, pull the floss through the area and not up through the teeth.
If your crown comes loose, comes off or fractures, you will need to contact our office right away. Teeth shift (surprisingly) quickly. You risk not having the final crown fit if the proper space is not maintained.
Your final crown is typically cemented three weeks after your initial appointment. Once your new crown is cemented into place, it will function as if it was put there by nature!
