A dental crown is a fairly common treatment in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Crowns are used to restore broken teeth, to anchor bridges that replace missing teeth, and to protect a tooth that has had a root canal procedure. Before a crown can be placed, the underlying tooth must be prepared to make room for the crown.
Procedure for Placing a Crown
A dental crown is typically placed in two stages. At the first visit, your dentist will make a mold of your tooth from which your permanent crown will be made. He will reshape the tooth to make room for the crown to be fitted over it. Another mold is made after the tooth is shaped to fit the inside of the crown. These two molds together will create a crown that fits you perfectly and exactly matches the shape, size, and contours of your original tooth.
After the reshaping is completed, a temporary crown is placed over the tooth to protect it over the next few days while your custom-made, permanent crown is manufactured. When the permanent crown is completed, it is placed on the tooth and fixed in place with a permanent adhesive. The dentist will also make any necessary adjustments so the new crown is properly aligned with your natural bite.
When Would I Need a Crown?
Crowns are used less often now than they used to be, but they are still an important tool in both restorative and cosmetic applications. If a tooth is severely damaged, a crown can be used to cover and restore it, either on its own or as an additional treatment after a root canal procedure. Sometimes the combination of a root canal and a crown is the best way to keep a damaged tooth that might otherwise need to be removed. If you choose to have a missing tooth or teeth replaced with a crown and bridge, the new, prosthetic teeth are anchored in place with crowns that are placed on the adjacent teeth.
To find out more about crowns, when they are used, and how they are placed on your teeth, please contact Family Smiles Dental Group for an appointment or consultation.