Dental crowns can be indicated for a variety of reasons. Typically, we will recommend a crown when a tooth has a cavity so large that there is not sufficient tooth structure to bond to. Another major indication for a crown to be placed on your tooth is if you have a posterior tooth (one of your back ones like a molar or premolar) with a root canal. A crown is indicated in these cases due to a posterior tooth being more likely to fracture upon completion of a root canal. A crown will help strengthen the tooth and prevent fracturing. Other reasons we may recommend a crown would be to replace an old crown that is discolored, replace a crown that doesn't fit adequately, or if we see a tooth susceptible to fracture.
The typical crown procedure will take at least two visits. On your first visit, we will find a good shade/color match of your teeth to make your permanent crown. We will then remove any carious lesions present on the tooth, build the tooth up with a filling (this is called a build up) so a crown can be placed on the tooth. We then finish preparing the tooth by putting design features into our preparation to maximize fit, retention, and function. We will then take a master impression and fit your tooth with a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready. Once the crown is ready, you will return to our clinic to have it placed. We will take a radiograph to ensure that the crown is fully seated and functional.
Give us a call or email us if you have any questions!
