Restore Your Smile
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a type of artificial cap that your dentist places over teeth that are discolored or damaged. Crowns are also commonly used with dental implants. Today’s crowns are normally made from porcelain or ceramics. Alternative materials include metallic alloys, gold or acrylic.
Some reasons why you may need a crown include:
- To repair a broken tooth
- To repair a worn down tooth
- To cover a large dental filling
- As part of a dental implant
Dental Crowns Procedure
Your dentist will begin by examining your tooth and taking x-rays to look for signs of tooth decay and cavities. They will prepare the area by removing some of the tooth structure to make room for the crown. You will likely be provided with local anesthesia at this time.
If necessary, your dentist will create an impression of your tooth for the creation of a mold to be sent to a dental lab. Once the lab has created your dental crown, and your dentist has received it, you will return for a follow-up appointment to have the crown placed.
Durability of Dental Crowns
Although dental crowns are strong, they are not meant to last forever. Crowns normally last for up to 15 years, but it is not unusual for a patient to have a crown last for a lifetime. The longest lasting crowns are made from full gold or zirconia.
To ensure that your new dental crown lasts as long as possible, make sure that you are practicing proper oral hygiene. Although crowns are strong, they can still be undermined by decay and gum disease.
Dental Crowns and Implants
Dental crowns are an essential part of receiving a dental implant. They are the visible part of the implant above the gumline, mimicking the appearance of a natural tooth and allowing you to chew and bite your food normally.
If you are receiving a dental crown as part of an implant, you will need multiple dental appointments. During your first appointment, your dentist will implant a titanium rod directly into your jawbone, offering solid support. Your jawbone acts as an anchor so that the implant will not slip, as with dentures.
After a few months have passed, your jawbone will have fused with your new implant. You would then return for a subsequent appointment to have your crown placed over a connecting abutment structure.
The only real exception to this process is if you lack sufficient bone mass in the area of the implant. Since you need solid support to receive an implant, your dentist should be able to perform a bone graft procedure to provide that support, although this will add some time and expense to the entire process.
For More Information
If you would like to request more information about dental crowns, or would like to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact our office at your earliest convenience.
