Crowns

Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break, or is too broken down to be restored with a filling. They are most commonly done after root canal treatment, or when a large filling wears out. The larger the hole made by a cavity that has to be treated, the more likely a crown will be needed. Even after a filling is put in a large cavity, a tooth is more likely to break. Keep in mind that the jaw muscles are the strongest in the human body. Teeth are subjected to tremendous pressures. Crowns ride over the weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting the tooth against breakage. A broken or cracked tooth is a far more serious matter and much more difficult to treat. Crowns prevent this, as well as making for a nice smile.

In some instances, decay will occur in between the teeth which will require removal of a significant amount of healthy tooth structure to access the problem area.  When this tooth structure is removed, some patients might require a crown to cover and protect the tooth.

It usually takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown.  In the first appointment,  the old filling material is removed along with any decay in the tooth.  Often times,  a build up is required to add back some of the missing tooth structure so that a crown can be retained.  The tooth is then shaped to accept the crown.  An impression is made of the tooth for the laboratory to use in fabricating the crown.  The dental lab makes the crown between the two visits.  Crowns are usually made of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material or gold.  During the time the crown is being made, a temporary crown is worn.  In the second visit, the temporary crown is removed and the new crown is adjusted and cemented in place.