Dental Crowns
A dental crown looks virtually identical to a natural tooth, but is, in fact, a type of restoration that encases the entire visible portion of a tooth.
What is a crown?
A crown, sometimes referred to as a “cap,” is a complete covering for a tooth that is used to restore functionality to a tooth that has suffered damage.
When is a crown needed?
Crowns are one of many options available for restoring teeth and may be an option when bonding or other more conservative treatments are not an option. Typically crowns are used to preserve the structural integrity of a tooth that has been damaged or weakened, whether by decay or trauma. They can also be used after a root canal if it’s been decided that the tooth will be too weak to go without one. Dental crowns are also used in combination with dental implants when a single implant is being used to replace one tooth. In this case, the implant acts as the root of the tooth with the crown as the visible part of the tooth.
Crowns are usually made from porcelain and fashioned to look just like the top of a natural tooth.
Getting a Crown from Dr. Williams
Depending on the situation, your new crown can take one or two visits to complete. Your tooth will first need to be prepared for the crown, after which Dr. Williams will make an impression of the area which will be used to design the crown to be a perfect match for your tooth.
Your final crown will be created in a dental lab, using the impression. In the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary crown. Once your crown is ready, you’ll be asked to return to Plainfield Family Dental in order to have it bonded in place.
How do I care for my crown?
The lifespan of your crown can depend on how well you take care of it. Crowns don’t require any special treatment outside of the same maintenance required by your natural teeth. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss, making sure to remove any plaque from where the crown meets your gumline in order to prevent gum disease.
It’s best to avoid biting into hard food or other objects which might damage your crown (such as fingernails). Let Dr. Williams know if you have a habit of grinding your teeth, as this should be addressed to help protect, not only your crown, but all of your teeth from damage.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
For questions about crowns or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call. We are looking forward to caring for you and your family!