What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth restoration treatment that covers all visible portions of a tooth with an artificial “cap,” or crown. The crown looks just like your natural teeth, with the same subtle irregularities in surface texture and shape that all teeth have.
There are many reasons to have a dental crown installed. Some of the uses of this restoration option include:
- Protecting a tooth weakened by advanced decay
- Improving the appearance of irregularities in color or shape
- Providing support for a cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth
- As a support base to secure a dental bridge
- Strengthening a tooth that is worn
Dental crowns are also the visible portion of dental implants, although, during this application, the crown is secured onto the implant material and not natural tooth tissue.
What is the process for getting a crown?
The first step is determining if there are any areas of decay or gum disease that need to be addressed prior to installing a crown.
Once you and your dentist decide a dental crown is right for you, X-ray or digital imaging is performed to evaluate the bone tissue and the contours of the surrounding teeth.
That information is used to craft a custom crown that not only fits properly in your bite but also is visually indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth.
Cute Dental Care, PC offers in-house computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology, also known as CAD and CAM. Chairside Economic Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or CEREC, technology allows your crown to be manufactured in-house, usually on the same day.
Your dentist numbs the area before removing a small amount of your natural tooth tissue to make room for the crown. Once the new crown is ready, your dentist checks the fit before cementing it in place. That completes the restoration, and you’ll walk out ready to share your new smile with the world.
How do I preserve my new dental crown?
CEREC crowns are incredibly durable, but you want to treat them with the same care as the rest of your teeth. Avoid biting down on hard foods or other objects, and never carry or pry open items with your teeth.
Maintain a great dental hygiene routine to prevent plaque and bacteria from building up. While your new crown cannot decay, the surrounding gum tissue can be negatively impacted by plaque and bacteria.
Your dental team will check your crown during routine dental exams and can advise you if you need to make changes to your existing oral health habits.
To learn more about dental crowns, call the office or book an appointment online today.
