A dental crown can help to protect a tooth that has been severely damaged by decay or injury. It can restore the tooth’s structure, function and appearance. It is helpful to understand when dental crowns are necessary and know what to expect from the treatment process.
Purposes Of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are bonded on top of a patient’s biological tooth. They restore the structure of the tooth when a large cavity develops and a significant amount of decayed material must be removed, making a conventional filling inadequate. If you experience a broken tooth from a dental injury, your Dentist may also recommend a crown to protect the tooth. Similarly, a tooth is typically fitted with a crown following a root canal, which leaves the tooth more susceptible to breakage. Placing a crown reduces the risk of that outcome.
Dental Crown Treatment Process
The dental crown treatment process begins with an evaluation by your dentist, who will gather all of the information needed to plan for the design of your crown. Photos, x-rays or dental impressions may be taken at this appointment as needed. Keep in mind that dental crowns are custom-designed, and we value your input into the process. We encourage you to share your opinions about the shade and shape of the crown to get as natural an aesthetic as possible. Additionally, dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, porcelain fused to metal and ceramics. Your provider will recommend the material that is most appropriate in your case.
Your tooth can be prepped for crown placement at this initial appointment by removing enamel to make room for the crown. While you are waiting for your crown to be made at the dental lab, you may have the option to wear a temporary crown. After the dental lab has processed the data from your evaluation, created your crown and delivered it to us, you are able to return to our office to be fitted with the permanent crown.
Dental crowns can help to preserve teeth that might otherwise be at risk for extraction, an outcome that should be avoided when possible. To learn whether a dental crown might be appropriate in your case, Schedule An Evaluation at the office of Dr. Andrew Holloman today. Dr. Holloman is an expert dentist, and can consult with you. Whether you need a second opinion or a first, Dr. Holloman can help you find the best treatment option available today, and customized to your needs.