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Crowns
Teeth are extremely strong but grinding, daily wear and tear, or even an accident can cause them to weaken, crack, or fracture. When we see patients with these problems, we often suggest one or more crowns to prevent future problems and protect your natural teeth.
WHY DOES MY TOOTH NEED A CROWN?
As teeth are filled and refilled over the years, they reach a point where they can only be restored by a full coverage crown. When over half of the tooth is comprised of a filling the integrity of the remaining tooth is compromised. The force of chewing will fracture the tooth. In some instances, this can expose the nerve and require root canal therapy. This can be prevented by placing a crown over the tooth to protect it from fracture. The most common indications for a crown are:
- Teeth with large defective fillings.
- Cracked teeth sensitive to cold.
- Teeth with fractures.
HOW LONG WILL MY CROWN LAST?
This is up to you! If your crown is brushed and flossed daily, it should last a lifetime. Unlike normal fillings, the materials used do not breakdown in the mouth. Our practice stands behind all crowns for one year.
WHAT IS A FULL COVERAGE CROWN?
The full coverage crown is the "Cadillac" of dental restorations. A hundred-plus years of experience has shown that for durability and function, nothing beats a crown. The damaged tooth is completely protected and the long-term results are excellent. A crown completely covers a tooth down to the crest of the gum. A seal is obtained at the "margin"--where the crown meets the tooth structure. This seal protects the tooth against leakage and decay.
WHY DOES MY TOOTH NEED A "BUILD-UP"?
Often teeth are broken down to the point that a "crown build-up" is required. Silver amalgam, composite, or special cements are placed to provide a strong foundation. The crown is placed over the build-up material.
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WHY DO ALL "ROOT CANALLED" TEETH REQUIRE A FULL COVERAGE CROWN?
Root canalled teeth are very brittle. Without an adequate blood supply the tooth will dry out. This will lead to an inevitable fracture of the tooth and possibly require an extraction.
HOW IS MY CROWN MADE?
Appointment #1:
Your first appointment is for preparation of the tooth. An impression is made from which the crown will be made in the laboratory. A temporary is made that you will wear on the tooth for 2-3 weeks.
Appointment #2:
After our laboratory finishes your crown, you will have a second appointment for "seating". We try it in and make minor adjustments to your bite, etc. The crown is then repolished and cemented on your tooth. The cement sets in a few minutes and your crown is ready for full use as soon as you leave our office.
CAN MY TEMPORARY COME OFF?
Yes! That is why we call them "temporary"! If your temporary comes off, no harm is done. Call our office right away and we will recement it for you. It is important to have your temporary recemented to ensure the fit of your permanent crown. Until your permanent crown is seated avoid sticky or very hard foods.
AFTER MY PERMANENT CROWN IS SEATED, WILL IT EVER COME OFF?
Occasionally permanent crowns will pull off of your tooth. We will make you a new crown if it comes off repeatedly. Making crowns is a long laboratory process and there is room for error. In any event, do not be alarmed; we stand by everything we do and we will fix it for you.
Never leave your permanent crown off your tooth for more than a few days. Have it recemented at your earliest convenience.
ONCE MY PERMANENT CROWN IS CEMENTED, WHAT IF IT HURTS?
Minor discomfort and slight sensitivity are normal for a newly seated crown, however, if the symptoms persist contact our office. The tooth may only need time to adapt to the crown. Any tooth so badly comprised that it needs a crown can abscess later and require endodontic therapy. No one can predict which teeth will possibly abscess.
WHY ARE CROWNS SO EXPENSIVE?
Crowns are custom-fit restorations fabricated by skilled laboratory professionals. The materials and labor required (four to six hours) make crowns costly dental restorations. When you consider that a crown is a permanent part of your body and can last a lifetime, it is one of the better investments you are likely to make!
