Crowns also referred to as caps, are tooth-like covers placed on top of a decayed or damaged tooth. There are different reasons why a person may need a crown, and at Geelan Dental Care, we can offer consultation on all crown-related issues.
Common reasons include a damaged or decayed tooth where a filling isn’t enough to restore the natural look and strength of the tooth. A crown, on the other hand, can gather broken parts of a tooth. Also, it can hold a bridge in a certain position.
request an appointmentCHOOSE FROM DIFFERENT MATERIALS
You can get your crown beforehand, prefabricated, or fabricated after taking an impression of your mouth. The prefabricated ones are often used temporarily before the permanent one is ready. There are various materials used to create crowns. They include zirconia, all ceramic, porcelain fused to zirconia, all metal and porcelain fused to metal.
The metal crown comes in various alloys such as palladium alloy, nickel or chromium, and gold alloy. Metal crowns and PFM provide the best material for creating stronger crowns. However, choosing the best type of crown will require consultation with our qualified professionals.
THE PROCEDURE
This procedure will require a minimum of two visits to our clinic. In the first visit, our dentists will examine your oral cavity, including the teeth requiring the crown. If the tooth has a cavity extending to the pulp, then you’ll require a root canal treatment. If the cavity is still in the early stages, then it may be unnecessary.
Also, you may also require a foundation to support the tooth if the decay is extensive or a large chunk of the tooth is missing. After creating the foundation, the tooth will need filling to create space to fit the crown. The extent of the filing will depend on the type of crown to be installed. For metal crowns, less of the tooth will require filing compared to ceramic and PFM ones.
After filing, you’ll need another two visits for the traditional method. The first visit will see our dentists take an impression of your tooth. This impression will consist of the teeth below or above the one receiving the crown. This process ensures you get a fitting crown that won’t affect your bite.
These impressions will then go to a dental lab for fabrication. While your permanent crowns are being made, you’ll be fitted with a temporary crown, often made of plastic, although this will depend on the amount of time it’ll remain in place. Temporary cement will be used to hold it in place. This cement is weaker than the final one to make it easy for removal once the permanent crown is ready.
During the second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and the permanent one installed. In some instances, they may require some polishing and adjustment for perfect fitting. If everything looks good, it will be cemented to the tooth. Crowns are durable and can last up to 40 years and more, but your oral hygiene will be a great determinant of the crown’s lifespan. If you need more information regarding crowns, don’t think twice about consulting Geelan Dental Care at (503) 223-1322.