Crowns
A crown becomes necessary when a filling is no longer strong enough to restore a tooth. It may also be used to strengthen damaged, heavily filled, root filled or cracked teeth.
Fillings restore the area affected by decay or trauma and are held in place by the surrounding tooth structure. However when there has been extensive breakdown due to decay, trauma or root canal therapy, a filling is not strong enough to restore the tooth. This is when a crown may be necessary.
A dental crown covers the top and sides of the remaining tooth structure providing both strength and protection to the remaining natural tooth whilst restoring its original shape and appearance. The crown encases the entire visible aspect of a tooth and effectively becomes the tooth’s new outer surface. A crown is usually tooth coloured and is nearly impossible to distinguish from your natural teeth.
Technique
The crown is constructed in a dental laboratory and so you will require two appointments.
- at your first appointment, the decay is removed and the tooth is prepared for the crown.
- an impression is taken to send to the dental laboratory
- a temporary crown may be fitted to wear while your long term crown is being constructed. The temporary crown will allow you to eat and smile normally.
- at your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is checked for comfort and alignment with your surrounding teeth before it is permanently bonded to your prepared tooth with specially developed dental cement
Contact us today to make an appointment for a dental check up
