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Crowns are
used when simply filling a tooth would leave it weak and vulnerable to
cracking, or when making cosmetic improvements to the teeth is the
goal.
A crown
is placed over a tooth, replacing most of its enamel. It surrounds the tooth,
giving it strength and providing a strong, durable biting surface. Crowns are
often used when large fillings wear out, when a tooth cracks, when a cavity is
especially large, and after a root canal procedure.
A filling
does not strengthen a tooth, and if there is not enough tooth structure
remaining, the tooth can crack or break. Biting places teeth under tremendous
pressure. Sometimes this causes a tooth to crack. Filling a large cavity may
leave too little tooth structure to provide enough support.
A root
canal procedure removes a great deal of material from the center of the tooth.
This leaves the tooth weak and vulnerable to failure. In these cases, a crown
surrounds the tooth, permanently stabilizing and strengthening the
tooth.
Crowns
were traditionally made of gold. Gold is still considered by many to be the
finest material available for restorations. The appearance of gold, however, is
not very natural. Porcelain crowns are a more natural-looking option. They were
once made of porcelain layered upon a metal core. But now, with stronger
ceramics and improved adhesives, crowns can be made entirely of porcelain -
eliminating the metal base that could often be seen at the gumline.
Placing a
crown requires two office visits. During the first visit, any decayed material
is removed and the teeth are shaped to receive the crown. From this impression,
a working model is made upon which the crown is crafted to precisely fit the
prepared tooth. One of our dentists will place a temporary crown for the short
time that it takes the lab to create the permanent crown.
On the
second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the new crown is put in
place. A check is made to see that the fit and bite are correct. At this time,
any necessary alterations are made to the shape and fit of the crown. When
everything is just right, a permanent adhesive is applied to the interior of
the crown and it is set in place on the prepared tooth. Once the crown has been
properly positioned, the excess adhesive is wiped away. The crown and its bond
to the supporting tooth are extremely strong. You will be able to use the
crowned tooth exactly as you would any other tooth. |
