Dental crowns are commonly used to restore teeth that are broken, severely cracked, or have undergone root canal therapy. Before the crown can be placed, the tooth must be prepared in order to make room for the crown. This involves reshaping the tooth. Crowns are very durable and can make it possible for you to keep a tooth that has suffered significant damage.
Getting Your Tooth Ready for a Crown
If your tooth is being fitted for a crown, the procedure is usually performed in two stages. First, your dentist will prepare your tooth. The first step is to take molds of your tooth, which will be used to create your custom-made crown. Then the tooth is shaped, with portions of the tooth removed to make room for the crown. Your dentist will put a temporary crown on your tooth to protect it while your permanent crowns are being made.
Whether your crown is porcelain or metal, it will probably be manufactured in an off-site lab. This typically takes a few days. During that time, you will need to be careful about what you eat in order to avoid dislodging your temporary crown. When the permanent crown arrives, you will visit your dentist again to have it set into place with a strong adhesive.
Why Would I Need a Crown?
At one time, crowns were commonly used for cosmetic work, but now they are used mostly for restorations. Some reasons your tooth might need a crown include:
- The tooth has broken off
- The tooth is severely cracked
- The tooth has a new cavity or new damage, but has already been treated with a filling
- You need a crown to anchor a crown and bridge
- Your tooth has been treated with root canal therapy
In all these cases, the crown serves to preserve the integrity and strength of your tooth so you can continue to use it. You and your dentist can decide together if a crown is the correct treatment for you, as well as what type of crown is the best choice. Contact us today to set up a consultation!
