About Crowns
Over time, our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems like decay, cracks, discoloration and others. If you feel your smile isn’t what it once was, don’t fret—crowns can help you recover your smile.
If your dentist notices that a tooth is decayed, weakened, or cracked, a crown may be necessary to make sure that there are no additional problems with the tooth. In cases like this, a filling or bonding will not be sufficient.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or full gold. To maintain a natural look and feel, a porcelain-finished crown is best, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth.
The Crown Process
The process of installing a crown normally takes 2-3 visits to the dentist. On the first visit, the tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel so that the crown can be placed over it. You will be given a local anesthetic before this part of the procedure so that you don’t experience any discomfort.
Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab so that your new crown can be made. We’ll ensure that it fits comfortably and looks natural. Before leaving, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown until your final crown is ready.
The crown takes about 2-3 weeks to be returned to your dentist. At this time, you will have another appointment to place and fit your crown. You will again have a local anesthetic to numb the area and the crown will be placed using a cement to ensure the tooth sets in place.
After that, the restoration process will be complete! When you look in the mirror, you’ll see your old smile back—and that’s definitely worth it.
Crowns are durable and will usually last about 10-15 years. You should care for it as you would any of your other teeth with regular brushing and flossing.
If you’re looking to recover a beautiful, royal smile, Hills Dental has just the crown for you. Call us today if you’d like to learn more, or to set up an appointment to begin the process!
