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Restorative Crowns

A crown is a dental restoration that covers or "caps" a tooth to restore it to its normal shape, size, and function. Its purpose is to strengthen or improve the appearance of a tooth.

Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?

A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

• To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
• To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
• To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To cover misshaped or severely discolored teeth
• To cover a dental implant

What Steps Are Involved in Preparing a Tooth for a Crown?

Preparing a tooth for a crown usually requires two dentist visits, the first step involves examining and preparing the tooth, the second visit involves placement of the permanent crown.

1. First Visit: Examining and preparing the tooth. At the first visit, your dentist may take a few X-rays to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and surrounding bone. If the tooth has extensive decay or if there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth's pulp, a root canal treatment may first be performed.

Before the process of making your crown is begun, your dentist will anesthetize (numb) your tooth and the gum tissue around the tooth. Next, the tooth receiving the crown is tapered down along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. If a large area of the tooth is missing (due to decay or damage), your dentist will use filling material to "build up" the tooth to support the crown.

After reshaping the tooth, your dentist will use impression paste or putty to make an impression of the tooth to receive the crown. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth to receive the dental crown will also be made to make sure that the crown will not affect your bite.

The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be manufactured. The crown is usually returned to your dentist's office in approximately 2 weeks. If your crown is made of porcelain, your dentist will also select the shade that most closely matches the color of the neighboring teeth. During this first office visit your dentist will make a temporary crown to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being made.

2. Second Visit: Receiving the permanent dental crown. At your second visit, your dentist will remove your temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent crown. If everything is acceptable, the new crown is permanently cemented in place.

Does a Crowned Tooth Require Any Special Care?

While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, remember that simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean the underlying tooth is protected from decay or gum disease. Therefore, continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day-especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.

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Dr. Barber, along with her enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, makes it a priority to work with you and your family to find the best solutions to your dental needs. Come experience our gentle, skilled dental care for yourself.