A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for crowns:
What does getting a crown involve?
Same day crowns are offered in our practice. During this procedure, existing decay is removed, and a scanning device is used to take digital pictures of the tooth inside of your mouth. These scans are then used to craft the design of your crown and the crown is milled by an in-office machine. Once the machine is finished milling your crown, it is ready to be cemented into place.
A crown procedure sometimes requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
Ever wonder how our same-day crowns are made? This is our Cerec Milling Unit. When we design the crown on the computer, that image and data is sent to the milling unit so the crown can be cut from a block of porcelain. Pretty neat, huh?