What Is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration that can be used to cover a damaged tooth or to replace a lost one. When used to protect an existing tooth, the crown will “cap” the structure and protect it against further damage. If a crown is being used to replace a tooth, then a dental implant will first be surgically placed in the jaw, and the crown will be attached. Crowns are also used to provide support for dental bridges.
Before a crown is placed, some prep work is necessary. If the crown is being applied on top of an existing tooth, we will remove some tooth enamel on the natural tooth to allow the crown to fit properly. If the crown is being used to replace a tooth, a dental implant will need to be installed first.
Dr Patel will first prepare your tooth for the crown. This involves shaping the tooth so that the crown cap can fit on top securely without movement and facing upward exactly like your nature tooth does.
When is a Dental Crown Appropriate?
There are typically 2 primary scenarios for which a Dental Crown is appropriate, one of which involves the cap to another procedure and the other is when a Dental Crown is used independent of another procedure.
- Dental Crowns can be used when a tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken. If the root and structure of the tooth has not been impacted, a Crown may be an effective solution in this instance and offers the advantage of keeping your existing tooth. The Crown would effectively sit on top of the tooth offering additional support and structure to the tooth.
- As mentioned, Dental Crowns can also be used in conjunction with another procedure such as an implant or root canal. In both cases the Crown would be a necessary component to the overall procedure.
What are the steps to getting a Dental Crown? It’s as easy as 1,2,3!
1
Step
The Preparation
Dr Patel will first prepare your tooth for the crown. This involves shaping the tooth so that the crown cap can fit on top securely without movement and facing upward exactly like your nature tooth does.
2
Step
The Scan
In the past, dental offices used clay models to take impressions of teeth but in most cases we are now able to take a digital scan with an device called the iTero. This allows us to take the scan quickly, with more accuracy, and reduces time to completion. The scan only takes about 5 minutes.
3
Step
The Placement
When the crown is ready, Dr Patel will place the crown in top of your newly shaped tooth. This is a quick and pain free process and typically only takes about 30 minutes.
Will Dental Crowns Look Like My Normal Teeth?
Dr Patel will work with you to ensure that your dental crown looks nearly identical to the color of your existing teeth. If you are also interested in whitening your teeth it is important that you let the Dr know ahead of time, this way she can complete the whitening service before choosing a crown shade. If this is not done, your dental crown may appear off color compared to your newly whitened teeth.
