Dental Crown

As you age, your teeth age too. Decay, fillings, trauma or even just normal chewing habits can make your teeth break down over time. A dental crown or a cap is a cover that is placed over a tooth to protect a weakened tooth from further fracturing or deteriorating.  A crown could also be used to replace a discolored or badly shaped tooth or protect a tooth that has had a root canal. Lastly, a new crown is necessary to simply replace an old worn down or defective crown.

The Dental Crown Treatment

It normally takes two visits for your dentist to complete your crown.  On your first visit your dentist will shape and prepare the tooth so the crown can properly fit over it.
Next, an impression of the tooth is taken and a temporary crown is inserted to protect the prepared tooth.  This impression is then sent to a dental laboratory where a custom-fit permanent crown is made.
On your second visit, the permanent crown is placed. If the fit, shape and color of the crown are satisfactory your dentist will proceed with permanently cementing it into place. 

Dental Crown Post Treatment Expectations

After the successful completion of the crown it is not uncommon to feel some discomfort, mild pain when you chew, or sensitivity to temperature changes for a few days. Also, if your newly cemented crown feels too tall or your bite doesn’t feel right, you should contact your dentist.

Cleaning Your Dental Crown

Please keep in mind that the longevity of your crown depends in large part on the materials in the crown, as well as your oral hygiene, diet and the health of the supporting tooth and gums.  It is important to maintain all of your teeth with proper brushing and flossing.