What is a crown?
Crowns are fixed prosthetic devices used to protect and restore damaged, root filled or discolored teeth. They cover the entire outer surface of your prepared tooth. There are several different types of crown including ceramic, porcelain, resin, and stainless. Linden Dental Associates will explain the different options available to you depending on the individual case and your specific requirements and answer all your questions during your consultation. Once fitted your crowns will look completely natural and indistinguishable from your surrounding teeth.
Why would I need a dental crown?
Your dentist may recommend that you undergo a dental crown procedure for one of several reasons: you have a particularly weak tooth that needs to be held together or requires a bridge; you have a tooth that is extremely discolored, or you wish to have a crown placed for cosmetic reasons.
What to expect when getting a dental crown
The procedure for installing a dental crown typically takes two visits.
- First, your dentist will examine the tooth and begin filing it down to prepare for the crown.
- After the tooth is filed to the proper shape, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth so that the permanent crown can be made. By the end of this first visit, your tooth will have a new temporary crown that protects it until the final crown is ready to be permanently placed.
- When the permanent crown is ready, you will have your second visit. At this appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the dentist will position and fasten the new crown to the tooth with an adhesive.
- Once your dental crown procedure is complete, it may take some getting used to, however, soon the crown will look, function, and feel like a regular tooth.
Maintenance for dental crowns
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. To prevent damage, avoid chewing hard foods, candy or ice.