20 Jun When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?
A dental crown can restore a damaged tooth under a number of circumstances. For example, when a tooth has a cavity that is too large to be repaired with a filling, your dentist may suggest a crown as a better long-term solution. A dental crown can also help to restore a tooth damaged by significant injury. Dental crowns also are typically placed on teeth that have been treated with root canals in order to protect them from breaking.
The process of getting a dental crown takes place over the course of a couple of visits to the dentist. At the first appointment, the dentist will gather the information needed to design the crown and take impressions. This information is then forwarded to the dental lab that will create the crown to you. Because crowns can be tailored to blend in with the rest of your smile, you can make requests for its design.
Your tooth may also be prepped for crown placement at your initial appointment. This involves removing a thin layer of enamel in order to make room for the crown to be fitted on top of your tooth. You may have the option to wear a temporary crown while you are waiting for the permanent one to be placed.
When the crown is ready, you will return to the office to have it bonded your tooth. Certain characteristics may be able to be adjusted prior to placement of the crown, but after it is placed, it cannot be altered. Therefore, you should request any desired changes prior to having the crown placed.
Dental crowns can be made of different materials, including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal or ceramics. The crown becomes quite strong after it is bonded to your tooth, so if you take proper care of it, the dental crown can last for years.
If a dental crown would help you restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury, contact our office to schedule an evaluation.
