What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a type of restoration that is designed to fit over a damaged or compromised tooth. If a tooth has fractured, broken or has recently been treated with a root canal, we may recommend that it be crowned. Crowns both protect the tooth from further damage as well as improve its size and shape. You can expect the restoration to last for many years before it'll need to be replaced.
Why are dental crowns needed?
There are a couple of reasons for why you might benefit from a new dental crown. The most common reason is because a tooth has cracked, fractured or broken. You might need a crown if you've recently underwent a root canal, which can leave the tooth more prone to breaking. If a tooth has a large filling in it or a deep area of decay, we might recommend simply crowning it to protect and restore it.
Who is a candidate for dental crowns?
- A tooth is cracked, broken, or severely worn down
- After a root canal, to prevent the root from breaking
- Large cavities that cannot be filled with traditional fillings
- Replacing an old, failing crown
- Enhancing the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth
What happens during the dental crown appointment?
The first step is to numb the area of the mouth that needs the crown. Our doctor will administer a local anesthetic to make the appointment more comfortable for you. The tooth is then sized down appropriately so that there is enough room for the restoration. We use an intraoral scanner to create a digital impression file to send to our dental lab . You will come in for a second appointment so that the final crown can be placed. You can expect the restoration to last for many years while providing you with a full and healthy-looking smile.