Crowns
A crown is a cover or “cap” Dr. Taylor can place over a tooth. A crown restores a damaged tooth to its normal shape, size, and function. A crown can protect the tooth and improve the way it looks.
Dr. Taylor may recommend a crown to:
- Support a tooth that has a large filling or large amount of decay when there isn’t enough natural tooth structure remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Cover a badly shaped or discolored tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
- Cover and support a tooth that is cracked
- Cover a dental implant
Crowns can be made from several types of materials including metals alloys, porcelain, ceramics, or composite resins. Dr. Taylor typically uses zirconia crowns which are very strong and are tooth colored to match the surrounding teeth, or gold crowns which are very useful when there is limited space available for the crown.
How long does it take to fit a dental crown?
It usually takes two dental visits to complete the treatment. When a crown is placed over a natural tooth, several steps are involved. Dr. Taylor will prepare the tooth by removing the outer portion, including any decay, so the crown will fit. If additional tooth structure is needed to support the crown, she may build up the core of the tooth using a bonded composite resin material. An impression is made to create an exact model of your tooth. The impression can be made by using a mold or by digitally scanning the tooth.
To protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown is placed. Making the permanent crown usually takes about 2 weeks. While you have a temporary crown, the tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold. Avoid chewing gum and eating sticky foods during this time.
On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown as needed. When you and Dr. Taylor are happy with how the crown looks and feels we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful looking tooth.
Caring for your crowns
Like natural teeth, crowns can break. And, the tooth under the crown can still get cavities. To prevent decay and damage to your crown brush and floss twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, avoid chewing hard things like ice, and be sure to see Dr. Taylor for regular exams and cleanings.