Crowns

Crown Restorations

A crown, or “cap,” is restoration that completely covers the tooth from all sides. It is meant to restore the tooth to its normal shape, size and function in order to strengthen it and prevent it from breaking or improve the way it looks.

Why Do I Need a Crown?

You may need a crown if you have a cavity that is too large for a simple filling; have a cracked, worn or otherwise weakened tooth; have had a root canal treatment or want to correct the appearance of a discolored or badly shaped tooth. A crown is also the last step when you get an implant.

What Are Crowns?

Several types of materials can be used to make a crown. The most traditional and one of the strongest materials we can use is gold. You may not want a completely gold colored tooth, in which case there are different types of ceramics that can be used that provide strength, as well as beautiful and natural looking outcomes.

How Long will it Take?

Most often, the crown can be completed in the same visit. We will numb the area to keep you comfortable just like getting a filling. We will prepare the tooth by removing the outer portion for the crown to fit over. If there is decay, or if some of the tooth is missing, we made build the tooth up using a filling material.

We will then take a digital impression of your tooth using our hand held scanner, as well as the opposing teeth and bite. We will design and fabricate the crown to the exact specifications of your tooth and mouth and cement it in place that day!

Sometimes, it is necessary to send you home with a temporary crown and cement the permanent crown at a separate appointment. If this is the case, it is important to avoid very sticky or crunchy foods as the temporary crown can break or become dislodged.

Home Care

It is important to keep all of your teeth, including those with crowns, clean by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Teeth with crowns are still susceptible to decay.