Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that’s used to cover a tooth and restore its shape and size. Used for badly decayed or broken teeth, the crown restores your ability to chew with the tooth. Once the crown is in place, it covers the entire visible part of your tooth that’s above the gum line. Crowns are also placed for the sake of attaching bridges, covering implants, or improving the appearance of stained teeth. Crowns can be made from different types of materials, including stainless steel, gold or other metal alloys and porcelain.

When you visit the dentist for a crown placement, the first step is taking x-rays to make sure the root of the tooth and the surrounding bone are ready for the crown. If there is extensive decay or if there’s a risk for infection, a root canal treatment may be necessary. Once the tooth is ready, the dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. The tooth is then filed down to make room for the crown. How much is filed away depends on the material used for the crown. Then, a mold is taken of the tooth from which the crown will be formed. Once the crown is ready, the tooth is then prepared and the crown is bonded in place.

A dental crown is a reliable method of restoring a tooth to full functionality and appearance. With proper oral care, a dental crown can last eight years or longer. It’s vitally important to floss in the area of the crown to prevent excess plaque from forming. If you have a tooth that is severely decayed, make an appointment today to talk about the best ways to restore it.