Your smile is such a royal joy that it just might need a crown. Dental crowns are common restorations and are quite indistinguishable from natural teeth. They can save teeth that have been weakened by injury, cavities, or dental work such as a root canal. The crown serves to cover the tooth while restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. It can last for decades after being cemented in place, but the tooth will require some prep work beforehand. Read on to learn about how a tooth is prepared to receive a crown.
First, an Examination
A dental crown is usually applied over the course of two appointments. However, same-day crown treatments are possible if the dentist uses CAD/CAM technology. The procedure begins with an examination to check for decay or other damage. Once the dentist determines that a crown is the best course of treatment, the area of the mouth being treated is numbed before the tooth is filed down at the sides and chewing surface to make room for the restoration. The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the condition of the tooth.
Next, Impressions
Impressions will then be taken of the filed tooth. These will be sent to a lab for the creation of the crown, or the restoration will be manufactured that day in-office. In either case, it will be designed to resemble a natural tooth in color and shape.
Then, Placement
If the restoration is produced in-office, it will be cemented in place that day. If it is to be made in a lab, a temporary crown will be placed instead. A second appointment will be made for when the permanent restoration is finished. Then, the temporary crown will be removed and the permanent one will be cemented in place. The procedure will provide the patient with a functioning tooth and a beautiful, restored smile.
You depend on your teeth for important things like chewing and smiling. Crowns are a great way to save a tooth from extraction while restoring it to its proper function. Since your teeth are such a crucial part of your daily life, they deserve to be treated like royalty, so getting them a crown or two might be appropriate.
About the Practice
Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry provides personalized, high-quality dental care to the community of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Led by Drs. Kristopher R. Harth and Eric L. Townsend, the staff welcomes patients to their modern practice with a warm greeting and a choice of beverages. Services include preventive, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. For more information about what to expect while receiving a dental crown, contact the office online or dial (904) 285-7711.