Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also known as ‘caps’ can be used to treat teeth that are badly decayed or broken causing harm to your health. Not only can a dental crown be aesthetically pleasing, but it can also restore structure and function back to your bite. Some of the reasons that you may need a crown include broken/fractured teeth, badly decayed teeth, large/fractured existing fillings, cosmetic benefits or after root canal treatment. Having the option of a dental crown is often best in comparison to other avenues of treatment as it preserves as much natural tooth structure as possible.

The process of the preparation and placement of a dental crown begins with a consultation and/or examination where one of our treating dentists can develop the best plan for you. Receiving a crown thereafter requires two separate appointments including preparation and delivery.

At the preparation appointment we will begin by taking a preliminary dental impression of the affected tooth which will be used later in the appointment. Next the doctor will begin to prep the tooth/teeth where any decay will be removed, ensuring that the crown is later placed on a strong and healthy tooth. The affected tooth will be prepped smaller about 1-1.5 mm in all directions allowing for space for the future crown. Once the tooth is properly prepped and shaped, an impression will be taken to be sent to the lab, where your crown will be fabricated. The preliminary impression that was taken at the beginning of the appointment will then be used to make a temporary crown which you will have protecting your teeth until the permanent crown is delivered. Once the lab case has returned from the lab, the front desk will call you to schedule for the delivery of your crown.

At the delivery appointment, we will remove your temporary crown and try in your new permanent crown. At this point you can look at the shade and contours of the crown to ensure that you are satisfied, and then the doctor will clean the crown, to prepare for permanent cementation. At this time the crown may be adjusted further to compliment your bite.

It is important to note that although we consider these to be permanent crowns it is very important that your homecare doesn’t faulter and that you are treated with your restored teeth like natural teeth. Crowns need to be flossed and brushed the same as natural teeth.