Dental Crowns
Why Do I Need a Crown?
There are times that you may need a crown to cover over your tooth due to fracture or damage too large to be repaired by a filling. The crown would restore it to normal size, shape and strength, preventing any further deterioration, and restore the quality of the tooth. The healthy remainder can be made whole by the crown, which serves to replace the original enamel covering. The situations in which a crown would be recommended are:
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When a tooth has a large filling with very little tooth left, it may need a crown as a restoration because the tooth may have recurrent decay or the remaining piece of tooth or a portion of the filling may have broken off
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For strength after root canal therapy, which leaves the tooth weakened
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To correct open spaces (contacts) that cause food entrapment between the teeth to prevent bone and tissue loss in those spaces
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For cosmetic reasons because the tooth or teeth has old, discolored, show-through fillings
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To replace an old existing crown that does not fit correctly anymore, has chipped porcelain or decay underneath
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The tooth exhibits cracked tooth syndrome, hairline cracks that cause annoying pain when chewing, which will benefit from the coverage and pain relief provided by a crown
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Attached to a healed and integrated implant (screw) via an abutment (connector)
Making the Crown
The construction of the crown takes preparation. The first stage is the preparation of the tooth: the outer layer of the tooth is removed, or if most of the tooth is broken off, a build-up is placed onto the healthy remainder. Next impressions are taken and sent to the dental lab that will make the crown, then a temporary is placed over the tooth. This is a longer appointment and is generally done at a morning or early afternoon appointment.
When the crown is ready in a few weeks,Dr. Majcher will remove the temporary, and cement your new crown onto the prepared tooth. One or more short follow-up visits are required to be sure the bite is correct.
What is the Crown Made of?
The crown can be made of different materials:
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Porcelain fused to high-noble metal, encompasses a large variety of types, for strength and a pleasing look.
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Porcelain-like material for cosmetic esthetics
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All metal (precious metal) for chewing strength,done on back teeth, although it may conduct hot and cold easier
How Do I Take Care of My New Crown?
The crowned tooth functions as a natural tooth. It is brushed and flossed as the other teeth are, but a crown also requires diligent care at the gumline to prevent decay from starting underneath.