Over time our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks and discoloration. If you feel your smile isn’t what it once was, crowns may be able to help. If your dentist notices that a tooth is decayed or seems weakened or cracked, a crown may be necessary to make sure there are no additional problems. In such cases, a filling or bonding will not be sufficient.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal or a full gold crown. To maintain a natural look and feel, a porcelain finished crown is best, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and appear to be one of your natural teeth.
The process of installing a crown takes 2 or 3 visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel so the crown can be placed over it. You will be given a local anesthetic before this part of the procedure so you do not experience any discomfort. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab. The new crown will be made so it fits in the spot created for it and looks the same relative to the surrounding teeth. Before leaving, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready.
The crown takes about 2 to 3 weeks to be returned to your dentist. At this time, you will have another appointment to place and fit the permanent crown. You will again have a local anesthetic to numb the area and the crown will be placed using a cement to ensure it sets in place.
When you look in the mirror, you will see your old smile back. Crowns are durable and will usually last about 10-15 years. You should care for it as you would any of your other teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Call us today if you would like to learn more about crowns and how they can help restore your smile.
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“I went there for the first time. Everyone at the office was super friendly, pleasant and helpful. The dentist was concerned about my comfort and explained everything before starting the treatment. I was very afraid of having a root canal but the dentist and his staff made it very comfortable. I will recommend this place to all my friends and family”.
“I went to the Wave Dental office at the recommendation of one of my friends, and to be honest, I have already had a really good experience on my two visits. Right from the front desk to the doctors and staff, everyone is very friendly, patient, empathetic and considerate. My dentist was very knowledgeable and walked me through the entire treatment process, causes and options to prevention.”