Dental crowns are one of the most important restorative appliances available to dentists today. Just ask your Crystal, MN, dentist, Dr. Kimberlee Murphy, how important and necessary crowns are for you!
Crowns
Crowns, also known as caps, fit over teeth damaged by:
- Trauma, like sports or an accident
- Decay, usually caused by plaque buildup and cavities
- Discoloration, caused by smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking tea or coffee, or a result of aging
Severely damaged teeth need the most support. A dental implant is unnecessary if a tooth root is intact but the natural tooth's crown is almost nonfunctional. Your dentist can provide you with high-tech crowns made of porcelain to restore the natural crown, which aids in chewing and biting functions.
Unlike veneers, crowns cover the whole tooth surface to provide support, restrengthening, and full concealment. Your Crystal dentist uses crowns for other restorative procedures, like dental implants or bridgework.
Procedure
The process takes about two to three visits depending on how much work your teeth need.
Your dentist will first file down your tooth, or shape it, so that it can fit under a crown; the shape needs to be uniform. If the tooth needs building up, your dentist will use filling material to achieve the proper shape that will give you the most support.
Your doctor takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a dental laboratory to create a custom crown for you. Don't worry though, your dentist will attach a temporary crown to protect your tooth and help you while eating.
When your permanent crown is ready, you'll go back to your dentist's office. Your temporary crown will be removed and the permanent one cemented using resin.
The crown should fit over your shaped tooth comfortably and match the rest of your teeth.
Dental crowns can improve the functionality of your teeth along with the appearance of your smile. For more information on dental crowns, please contact your dentist in Crystal, MN, by calling 763-537-3655 today!