Dental Crowns
What Is Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped restorations that are secured over an affected tooth. There are several reasons — your teeth may have gotten damaged by something like tooth decay, injuries, or just regular wear and tear. A crown helps safeguard the tooth, besides improving its appearance. It restores the tooth’s size, shape, and function. At Sedro-Woolley Family Dental Center, we can help you with customized dental crowns to conceal the imperfections of your teeth.
When Would You Need a Crown?
A crown is necessary in the following cases:
- A weak tooth that needs protection from further cracks and fractures.
- A dental implant restoration that needs a top part
- A tooth that does not have sufficient natural tooth structure remaining
- A fractured tooth
- A poorly shaped or discolored tooth
- A bridge that needs support
What Are the Steps In a Crown Procedure?
The entire procedure of fixing the crown typically takes about two to three visits to our office.
- The first step involves an exam of your damaged tooth. If it is concluded that a crown is needed, we will start working on the tooth by removing the outer enamel portion, including decay. This is performed to ensure the fit of the crown.
- During the next stage, an impression of your resized tooth is taken. The impressions are taken from a mold or by digitally scanning the tooth.
- The impressions are sent to a dental lab to have the crown prepared, which could take about a week or more. Meanwhile, a temporary crown is attached to protect your tooth while the permanent one is being manufactured. It is advised to refrain from eating solid hard food during this stage.
- The final step includes the placement of the permanent dental crown once it is fabricated. The needed adjustments are carried out to check the crown for a precise fit and look. Once it is concluded that the fit is good, the crown is cemented into position using a strong adhesive.
How Should You Care For the Crowns?
The crowns can also crack and break, just like natural teeth. It can develop cavities under the tooth. Proper maintenance of the crown is very much required to prevent damage or cavities.
They have to be regularly brushed and flossed with fluoride toothpaste. It is vital to avoid chewing hard foods such as ice or other complex items. Regular exams and professional cleaning of the crowns will make them last longer.
If you are interested in learning more about dental crowns, call Sedro-Woolley Family Dental Center in Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 at (360) 855-0351 and schedule an appointment.
