CROWNS AND BRIDGES
What is a crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth – covering the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or to improve its appearance. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
When may a crown be necessary?
1. To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
2. To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
3. To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
4. To hold a dental bridge in place
5. To cover misshaped or severely discolored teeth
6. To cover a dental implant
What can I expect on my crown visit?
Typically, the placement of a crown is done in two appointments. The first consists of shaping the tooth and removing any decay to prepare it for the permanent crown, taking impressions to send to the lab to make the permanent crown, and the placement of a temporary crown with temporary cement for the patient to go home with. A few weeks later the patient will be seen back to place the permanent crown on with permanent cement after any minor adjustments that may be needed once tried in the mouth.