Dental Crowns

By Ana M. Arango, DDS

Ana M. Arango, DDS

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Dental Crowns

A crown is a prefabricated tooth shaped cover that is permanently cemented to the tooth. It is the best alternative to restore a damaged tooth.

When Do I Need a Crown?

A crown is needed in any of the following cases

• Large decay that is compromising the tooth structure.
• Large old restoration that is fractured and after it is removed there is not enough tooth to hold a new restoration.
• When the tooth is fractured and fragile. A crown is a great alternative to keep it together and prevent future big problems.
• Crowns are used to anchor permanent bridges, in order to replace missing teeth.
• After a root canal treatment, a crown is always needed to protect the tooth from future fracture and secondary decay.
• For dental implants that have to be restored with a crown.
• For cosmetic purposes to correct misshapen and severely discolored teeth.

What Is the Procedure?

Once the dentist evaluates the tooth and determines it is a healthy tooth and free of decay, the dentist will build up the tooth with a reinforced dental material. This build up is made with the purpose of strengthening the tooth and to prevent recurrent decay. The tooth has to be prepared by grinding around it to create the space needed for the crown. The cord is then placed to separate the soft tissue form the margins of the tooth.

At this point an impression is taken to perfectly reproduce the tooth and a temporary crown is made to protect the tooth. It is normal to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after a temporary crown procedure while the permanent crown is being made.

After the permanent crown is made at the lab, the temporary is removed and the crown is tried on the tooth. An x-ray should be taken to check the fitting and the sealing of the crown. Also, the bite is adjusted and the contact of the crown with the adjacent teeth is tested using dental floss.

If everything is perfect, the dentist proceeds to disinfect the crown and the tooth with an antibacterial solution. The tooth is then be dried and insolated. Then the final crown can be cemented with permanent cement.

After a crown is placed, the patient has to be aware that excellent oral hygiene is mandatory in order to preserve the crown long term and protect the tooth from future decay.

So, if your dentist has advised you in the past to have a crown, listen to your doctor. They are giving you a great alternative to preserve the tooth for the long term.