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Crowns
Q:
What is a crown?
A: A crown is a restoration that covers, or "caps,"
a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and
improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when
a tooth is generally cracked or broken down extensively. Crowns
are also used to support a large filling when there is not enough of
the tooth remaining, attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing,
restore fractured teeth, or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth.
Q: How does a dentist place a crown?
A: To prepare the tooth for a crown, it is reduced so the crown
can fit over it. An impression of the teeth and gums are made
and sent off to the lab for the crown fabrication. A temporary
crown is fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown in made. On
the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements
the permanent crown onto the tooth.
Q: I have seen people with crowns that look "fake" or that
have a dark line at the gum line of the crowns. What causes that?
A: This is usually caused by the metal margin of a porcelain fused
to metal (or PFM) crown. Sometimes the adjacent gum tissue has
an adverse reaction to the metal (metal sensitivity) and become infected
and turn dark. In the "old days," many dentists used
PFM crown, but now in most cases, cosmetic dentists use all porcelain
crowns, which provide virtually the same strength but are highly superior
in their aesthetic result.
Q: Why would someone want an all-porcelain crown?
A: All-porcelain restorations are more naturally looking.
Again, when properly seated, they are as strong or stronger than their
metal predecessor.
Q: Why would the dentist recommend crowns instead of veneers?
A: Crowns require more tooth structure removal since they cover
more of the tooth than veneers. Crowns are customarily indicated for
teeth that have sustained significant loss of structure, or to replace
missing teeth. Crowns may be placed on natural teeth or dental
implants.
Q: What can I expect on my first visit for the crown procedure?
A: As soon as you are seated, we will numb the area to be worked
on using a local anesthetic. Depending upon the type of local anesthetic
used, you can expect to feel numb for one to four hours. If your anesthesia
should last longer, do not be concerned. Individuals react differently
to anesthesia. While the area is numb, please be careful not to bite
your lip or tongue. You may want to consider a soft diet or no meal
at all while until your sensation returns in the affected area. Once
the appropriate area is numb, one of our dentists will prepare the tooth
to maximize the function, retention and aesthetics of your new crown.
After the tooth is fully prepared, we proceed to the impression
stage where we create a model of your prepared tooth for our lab to
custom-fabricate your crown.
Should you experience any discomfort you can take a mild analgesic (Tylenol,
Advil, or aspirin, etc.) as long as there is no medical contraindication
based upon your medical history. Typically, you can take anything
you would normally take for a headache. If the discomfort persists,
please call our office.
Q: How should I care for my crowns?
A: To prevent damaging or fracturing the crowns, avoid chewing
hard foods, ice or other hard objects - just like you should avoid for
your natural teeth. You also want to avoid teeth grinding.
Besides visiting your dentist and brushing twice a day, cleaning between
your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or interdental cleaners
(specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove
plaque from the crown area where the
gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental
decay and gum disease.
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