How Does a Dental Crown Work?
A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap that restores the size, shape, strength and appearance of a damaged or worn-down tooth. Robina Dental They can also be used to support a filling or repair a root canal treated tooth.
Your dentist uses dental crowns to protect weak teeth from breaking, to replace broken or badly decayed tooth parts, to restore severely worn down teeth, and to improve the look of a smile. These custom-made caps may also help prevent the need for more extensive restorations such as a root canal or dental implant.
Crowns are made from a variety of materials, depending on your needs and the location of the tooth to be restored. Your dentist can guide you on which type of crown is best for your specific case.
Typically, dental crowns require two visits: one to prepare the damaged tooth and make an impression, and then a second appointment when the permanent crown is placed.
First, your dentist will need to reshape your tooth so that it can accommodate the crown. This will involve removing any decayed or damaged areas and filing away any excess tooth surface to make room for the crown. During this procedure, your dentist may use a local anesthetic.
Next, the dentist will create an impression of your prepared tooth (either with a mold or a digital scan). This impression will be sent to the lab so that your crown can be built.
Your dentist will then remove your temporary crown at this second appointment and place your new crown in its place. They will then inspect the crown to ensure that it matches the color and fit of your other teeth.
Once the new crown is in place, your dentist will cement it securely in its place. You should expect that your crowned tooth will be slightly sensitive for the first few days, but this should dissipate with time.
If you have questions about dental crowns, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment, contact Lexington Family Smile today! Our friendly and caring team is here to assist you.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns – PFM
These crowns are often used to repair broken, decayed or weakened teeth that don’t have enough natural tooth structure to support a traditional crown. They are made from a combination of metal (usually a non-noble alloy) and porcelain, which is bonded to the metal for strength and durability.
Usually, these crowns are thinner and less bulky than all-porcelain or all-metal crowns. They are a great choice for front teeth that have been severely damaged by decay, a large filling or previous root canal therapy.
Monolithic (Solid) Ceramic Crowns – CAD/CAM
Our crowns are crafted using a’monolithic’ (solid) ceramic material that is computer designed and milled from a single uniform block of Zirconia on a CAD/CAM machine. These crowns are stronger and more durable than all-porcelain crowns, and don’t require as much tooth structure to be removed from the damaged area as all-metal crowns.