Dental Crowns

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are synthetic caps, typically made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two, which are placed on top of a tooth to restore its function and appearance. Crowns are often used to restore a tooth when decay has become advanced, especially after a restorative procedure such as a root canal. They can also be used to attach bridges, cover implants, salvage a cracked tooth, or stabilize an existing filing that has become loose. Crowns can also serve a purely aesthetic use, restoring a stained or discolored tooth to its original color.

Crowns are occasionally confused with veneers, but they serve different purposes. Veneers are typically applied to relatively small areas and serve a more cosmetic function.

What is the Procedure for Getting Crowns?

The process for getting crowns may take two or three office visits. During the first visit, your dentist will numb the area to be treated, making sure you’re comfortable. Then he or she will file down the enamel of your tooth so the crown can be properly fitted over it. Next, an impression of your bite is created and sent to a special lab where your custom crown or crowns, will be fabricated. You’ll be fitted with a temporary crown until the permanent version is ready. This may take two to three weeks.

When the crown is ready, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area for your comfort. Then, dental cement will be used to secure your crown into place. Next time you look in the mirror, you’ll see an Oscar-winning smile.

Crown Care Best Practices

Crowns can last for 10-15 years with the proper care. In order to make sure your crowns have a long and healthy lifespan, it’s important to floss regularly to avoid plaque buildup. You should also avoid eating brittle foods so as not to compromise the crown. Behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism can also threaten the integrity of a crown. If you suffer from this condition, we can help you find a solution.