Dental Crown Procedure

If your tooth is fractured, cracked or otherwise damaged, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible. If you don’t have the tooth repaired, there is a high likelihood of the issue getting worse. Eventually, your tooth can become so damaged that the only option is extraction. In order to avoid having your tooth extracted once it has become damaged, discuss repair options with your dentist—including the placement of a tooth crown.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a dental prosthetic that repairs a tooth that has been damaged. These prosthetics can be made with a variety of different materials, including: porcelain, ceramic, gold alloy and metal alloy. Unlike dental bonding or dental veneers, crowns replace a significant amount of the tooth—providing structure and strength.

Damage a Dental Crown Addresses

There are a variety of different reasons that a patient may need a crown placed. Some of these include:

  • A severe crack or fracture in a tooth.
  • The placement of a dental bridge.
  • The repair of a discolored tooth.
  • Covering of a dental implant.

Dental crowns are an excellent option for the repair of these various dental issues, and many more.

The Advantages of a Dental Crown

The purpose of a dental crown is to restore a tooth to as close to its natural state as possible. This often means both the appearance and functionality of the tooth. Ceramic and porcelain crowns can be made to look very similar to the natural tooth that is being repaired, and the surrounding teeth. Crowns also allow the patient to bite and chew most of the same foods that they enjoyed before their tooth was damaged or decayed. A crown will also help to stop the progression of damage to a tooth—saving the tooth from extraction.

The Placement Process

The placement process of a dental crown begins with a trip to the dentist about damage to a tooth. They will take a look at your damaged tooth, and decide what the best course of action for the repair of the damaged tooth is. If they decide that a crown is the best repair option, they will begin the placement process of the prosthetic.

Your dentist will reshape your tooth—preparing it for the placement of the crown. From there, your dentist will make an impression of the tooth to be sent away so the prosthetic can be created. Your dentist will discuss the different options for materials used to produce the dental crown, and which option is right for you. Once your crown is ready, your dentist will place the crown using a dental cement. They will also make sure the crown fits and functions properly.

Is a Dental Crown Right for Me?

In order to see if a dental crown is the right option for the repair of your tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will take a look at your tooth, and let you know if you are a candidate for a dental crown.

More About Dental Crowns : How long do dental crowns last?