Dental Crowns

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental Crowns

dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth.  Its function is to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

A dental crown can be needed for a variety of reasons listed below.

  1. To protect a weak tooth from breaking. This could be due to decay. A crown can also assist in holding together parts of a cracked tooth
  2. To repair an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
  3. To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
  4. To hold a dental bridge in place
  5. To cover up a severely discolored teeth
  6. To cover a dental implant
  7. To make a cosmetic modification

The first step in preparing a tooth for a crown is to take X-Rays on the tooth to better view the roots and the surrounding bone of the tooth. We are looking for any additional decay, risk of infection or if we see any injury to the tooth’s pulp.

The next step is to numb the gum and surround tooth area with anesthetic. The tooth receiving the crown will be filed down to make room for the incoming crown. If there is extensive decay of the tooth, our dentist will use a filling material to build up the tooth to support the crown.

A temporary crown is then put in place, and we use a putty type substance to make a mold of your new tooth structure. This mold is sent away to a lab where they manufacture your permanent tooth.

During your next dental visit, we will permanently cement the crown into place.

Your temporary crown is just that, temporary, so be careful in the weeks that it is in your mouth.

  • Don’t chew gum or sticky foods such as taffy’s suckers and caramel
  • Do the best you can to chew on the side opposite of your dental crown
  • Avoid particularly hard foods such as raw carrots and ice
  • When flossing, slide the floss out from your teeth instead of pulling up

A dental crown does not require any special care, but it is important to continue good dental hygiene and visit your dentist every 6 months for cleanings and check ups. Remember, a permanent dental crown does not mean that tooth is protected from decay or gum disease.

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Call us with any questions that you may have.

Phone :  336.292.4331 
Fax : 336.316.7022