Porcelain Dental Crowns (Caps)
Severe tooth decay can sometimes destroy a tooth to the point where a filling cannot keep it intact. Left untreated, these teeth can break down even further. In these cases, dentists rely on dental crowns to protect what’s left of the tooth.
Dental crowns are one of the most important restorations we offer. A crown can save a broken or decayed tooth by holding it together & protecting it from further damage. It can also serve as a beautiful replacement for an unsightly tooth.
A crown, also called a cap, is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped as well, or to cover a dental implant. A crown can make your tooth stronger & improve its appearance.
A crown acts the same way as a tooth, so after your crowns are placed, you should treat it the same way as well. Continue to brush & floss regularly & see your dentist for regular checkups!
What Is A Dental Crown?
In dentistry, a crown or a cap is a fake tooth that fits on top of a damaged tooth. They are custom-made to fit your smile & are built to last. There are a number of conditions that rely on crowns to save your teeth. You may even need a crown after undergoing certain dental treatments. A root canal or large filling can weaken an affected tooth & make it very vulnerable to cracking or breaking, so a crown is needed for protection. Crowns can also be used as a cosmetic treatment to improve the look of a misshapen or discolored tooth.
There are several types of crowns available to you, & each one varies in terms of appearance & strength.
A crown (or cap) is a tooth-shaped covering that covers the entire tooth surface in order to restore its original shape & size or to improve its appearance. Whereas a filling restores only part of a tooth, a crown can restore the structure of a much larger portion of the tooth.
Although crowns can be made from several different materials, porcelain is the most popular choice because it extremely natural-looking & luminous. Porcelain crowns are highly durable & will last for many years, but as with most dental restorations they may eventually require repair or replacement.
Reasons for crowns:
• To fix broken, fractured or decayed teeth
• For cosmetic enhancement
• To repair fractured fillings
• For large fillings
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. During your first appointment, Dr. Sowles will take several highly accurate impressions (molds) that will be used to create your custom porcelain crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown that will protect your tooth while your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory (this takes about two weeks).
During your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the underlying tooth will be thoroughly cleaned & your new crown will be carefully secured in place for a precise & comfortable fit.
At the office of Dr. Nicholas Sowles we use the latest technology & finest materials to create porcelain crowns that offer superior fit, function & aesthetics. We will provide instructions for the care of your new dental restoration. As with natural teeth, proper oral hygiene, good eating habits & regular dental visits will help maintain the life of your new crowns.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about porcelain crowns or to schedule a smile consultation with Dr. Sowles.