What Are Crowns?
Crowns shield the visible area of a badly decayed tooth. Once part of the damaged tooth is extracted, a crown is securely positioned over the remainder of the tooth, sheathing the area above the gum line. Sometimes known as caps, crowns are made when a thin coating of ceramic is placed on a metal or porcelain base. Some crowns made for rear teeth may use gold as their metal.
Why Are They Necessary?
Dentists recommend crowns after evaluating the condition of a patient’s teeth during an examination. Beyond cosmetic procedures to make a tooth look more attractive, crowns may replace a filling that is defective or deteriorating. Crowns may encase a tooth that has suffered so much that a filling cannot repair it. They also offer support for bridges that close gaps caused by missing teeth. In some cases, crowns are recommended after root canals for teeth that have extensive damage on the root below the gum line.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
The process to implant a crown usually involves two or more appointments. When a patient comes to our dental office for a cleaning and x-rays, your dentist and other members of the dental team look for signs of any deterioration or damage. Crowns need a part of the tooth’s foundation to remain intact to serve as an anchor.
The dentist takes out any decay and then takes an impression of the area during your first visit. The dentist will numb the area first. In almost all cases, the impression will be used to make a temporary crown and a permanent crown will be fixed during your follow-up visit. After initially inserting the permanent crown, the dentist will ensure it is properly lined up. Your dentist might polish or have to slightly alter the shape of the crown so that it replicates the bite pattern of your original tooth.
Are There Risks?
Any medical or dental procedure demands caution. Patients with certain cardiac problems or susceptibilities may have to take antibiotics before this procedure. Contact our dental office immediately if you have extensive pain after any of your sessions, if your temporary crown comes out, or if your permanent crown feels out of place or causes irritation. Over a period of time, crowns can become loose or wear down. In some circumstances, they could need to be re-cemented or replaced.
We Can Answer Your Questions
Crowns are an effective way to protect and prolong the use of your teeth. The dentists and professionals at The Fine Art of Family Dentistry look forward to discussing crowns and other dental procedures that enhance your smile and health. Contact us today.
785.823.5568
1615 E Iron Ave
Salina, KS 67401
fineartdentistry@hotmail.com