Associated Family Dentists

Crowns

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire coronal tooth structure, restoring it to its ideal size and shape.

 

What are the benifts of a crown

• Restore broken or fractured teeth

• Esthetic improvement of a tooth or teeth

• Reinforce a tooth that has had Root Canal

• Recontruct a severely decayed tooth

• Strengthen a tooth that has multiple or large fillings 

 

A crown will protect and reinforce the remaining tooth structure that could not be restored with fillings or other restorations.  There are several types of crowns, but the all-porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal are the most popular because they provide superior esthetics.  They can be made to match the size, shape and color of your teeth, giving you a natural, long-lasting and beautiful smile.  These crowns are highly durable and can last many years, but like all dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.

 

What is involved in getting a crown?

The fabrication of a crown typically takes two visits.  At the first visit, while the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface of the tooth to properly fit the crown.  Once this is accomplished, a highly accurate impression (mold) will be taken so the dental laboratory can create your custom crown.  Next, a tempory acrylic (plastic) crown will be placed with temporary cement.  The temporary will protect your tooth and provide a good  cosmetic appearance for the two weeks while your permanent crown is being made.  At the second visit, your temporary crown will be removed and the tooth will be cleaned.  Your new crown will be carefully placed and fine-tuned to ensure that proper contact between teeth, bite and esthetics are achieved.  Lastly, your crown will be cemented into place with a strong cement.  You will be given care instruction and encouraged to have regular dental visits to clean and check your new crown.

 

The future is here now!

Recently new  CAD CAM (Cerec) technology has allowed us to complete some crowns in only one visit, eliminating the need for a temporary crown and a second trip to the office.  Additionally, rather then taking an impression, an even more accurate digital laser scanner may  be used to create a three-dimensional virtual model of your prepared tooth.  Your crown will be designed and fabricated by a highly sophisticated computer and milled from block of very strong sintered porcelain.  As this cutting edge technology advances, we will  be able use these techniques in a greater variety of situations.