A dental crown is a type of restoration that is designed to fit over a damaged or compromised tooth. If a tooth has fractured, broken or has been recently root canaled, we may recommend that it be crowned. Crowns both protect the tooth from further damage as well as improve its size and shape. You can expect the restoration to last for many years before it'll need to be replaced.
There are a couple of reasons for why you might benefit from a new dental crown. The most common reason is because a tooth has cracked, fractured or broken. You might need a crown if you've recently underwent a root canal, which can leave the tooth more prone to breaking. If a tooth has a large filling in it or a deep area of decay, we might recommend simply crowning it to protect and restore it.
Dr. Thames will examine your teeth to determine if a crown is necessary. If it's found that you do need a crown, it is best to have the work done right away to prevent further damage to the tooth. If you have an older crown that needs to be replaced, we can do this easily in our office at your own convenience. Crowns can be placed over virtually any tooth within the mouth in need of restoration.
The first step is to numb the area of the mouth that needs the crown. Dr. Thames will administer a local anesthetic to make the appointment more comfortable for you. The tooth is then filed down appropriately so that there is enough room for the restoration. We take impressions and use these to make the new crown. You will come in for a second appointment so that the final crown can be placed. You can expect the restoration to last for many years while providing you with a full and healthy-looking smile.
If you'd like to learn more about how dental crowns are made and placed, call us today to speak with one of our friendly staff members for further information.
