Crowns cap the area visible of a badly decayed tooth. After the damaged part of the tooth is removed, the crown is placed securely over the remaining healthy part of the tooth so it covers the area above the gum line. Also known as caps, crowns are made when a thin coat of ceramic is put on a metal or porcelain base. Some crowns made for back teeth may use gold as their metal.
Why Are Crowns Necessary?
Dental professionals suggest crowns after assessing the state of a patient’s teeth during a dental examination. Other than just cosmetic procedures to make your teeth look more attractive, crowns can replace fillings that are defective or deteriorating. Crowns can encase a tooth which has endured so much damage that a filling will not be able fix it. Crowns also bolster bridges that close gaps left by missing teeth. Occasionally, crowns are suggested after root canals for teeth that have substantial damage to the root below the gum line.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
The procedure to implant a crown usually requires at least two or more visits. When a patient comes to the dental office for a cleaning and x-rays, the dentist and other dental professionals check for signs of damage or deterioration. Solutions are then considered. Dental crowns require that part of the tooth’s root remain intact to use as a foundation.
Your dentist will remove any decay and then takes an impression of the area during the initial visit. First, the dentist will numb the area. In almost all cases, the impression will be used to make a temporary crown and a permanent crown which will be positioned during a follow-up visit. After positioning the permanent crown, the dentist will ensure that it is perfectly aligned. The dentist may polish or slightly reshape the crown so that it replicates the bite pattern of the original tooth.
Are There Risks?
All medical or dental procedures require caution. Patients with certain heart problems or susceptibilities might have to take antibiotics prior to the procedure. Contact our dental office right away if you are experiencing extensive pain after any of your appointments, if a temporary crown comes out, or if the permanent crown feels out of place or is causing discomfort. Over time, crowns can become loose or even wear down. In rare circumstances, they may need to be re-cemented or replaced.
We Can Answer Your Questions
Crowns are an ideal way to protect and prolong the use of your teeth. The dentists and professionals at Shoal Valley Dental are looking forward to discussing crowns and other dental procedures that can enhance your smile and health. Contact us today.
