Restoring Missing Teeth With Dental Crowns
Dental restorations restore the function, integrity, and
morphology of missing tooth structure, which can be caused by caries or
external trauma, such as chipping or cracking a tooth. Fabrication of a
crown (a type of dental restoration) usually requires two dental visits.
The first visit involves an examination of the tooth to determine how
it should be restored and preparation of the tooth for the restoration;
this visit may include a core build-up (sometimes requiring a post),
fabrication of a temporary crown, and making an impression to be sent to
the laboratory. The second visit usually involves delivery of the final
restoration, which has been fabricated in the laboratory. In some
offices that have access to specialized equipment, the dentist may be
able to perform the entire crown procedure in the same day.
A crown is a restoration that covers (or "caps") a tooth to
restore it to its normal shape and size, which can strengthen and
improve the appearance of the tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth
has been damaged significantly and cannot be adequately restored with a
filling. A crown can protect a weak tooth from fracturing; it also can
prevent a cracked tooth from further damage. Crowns can cover discolored
or misshapen teeth for more aesthetically pleasing smiles.
The dentist may use a filling material to restore a more
ideal shape for supporting a crown (core build-up) when a tooth is
severely decayed or fractured and lacks sufficient tooth structure. In
some cases, a dentist will first perform a root canal, a procedure in
which pulp is cleared out of the tooth and the canal is sealed with a
special material. After the root canal, the dentist may place a post in
the open canal and secure it with dental filling to "build up" the
structure of the tooth. Once the material has hardened, the tooth can be
prepared for a crown.
It can, depending on the type of crown you elect to have
made. A crown can be fabricated from porcelain, from gold, or from a
combination of porcelain and metal. A crown can look just like a natural
tooth when it is made with porcelain coverage. Numerous factors are
considered when determining the crown material that is best for your
particular tooth, including the color, bite, shape, space, and location
of the tooth in your mouth.
To prevent damaging or fracturing the crown, avoid chewing
extremely hard foods and ice. You also should avoid grinding or
clenching your teeth. In addition to brushing twice a day and visiting
your dentist regularly, cleaning between your teeth is essential if you
have crowns. Use floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes
and sticks) to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets
the tooth. This process helps to prevent both dental decay and gum
disease.
What do I do if I'm a still confused about these procedures?
If you are still unclear about the process of placing a
crown or a post and core build-up, speak to your dentist. Your dentist
can walk you through the steps of the procedures and address any
questions or concerns you may have. It is important to have these types
of conversations with your dentist so that your journey to an improved
smile doesn't start—or end—with a frown.
Visit R and R Dental (516) 544-0823 for more answers about Dental Crowns and Bridges or schedule an appointment online at www.randrdental.com.
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