A dental crown may be recommended by your dentist for several reasons. The tooth could be extremely damaged or discolored, the tooth could be weak and needs help being held together, or it may be a cosmetic decision.
Types of Dental Crowns
A variety of materials are used to make crowns. Porcelain, ceramic, resin and stainless steel can all be used. The different types of crowns all have pros and cons for certain situations. Your dentist will make a recommendation based on your specific needs and preference.
Dental Crown Procedure
- The proper installation of a dental crown will generally take at least two separate visits to your dentist. On the first visit, the tooth will be fully assessed. An impression of the tooth and those surrounding it will be taken so it can be sent to a laboratory and aid in the casting of the crown.
- The tooth will be treated on the first visit. The top will be filed down. If the tooth is broken or damaged, your dentist will need to fill it to ensure it is large enough for the crown. Since the crown needs to be created, a temporary crown will be installed. This will not look like the finished product but will work effectively until the permeant crown is ready. Even though it is temporary, it is important to let your dentist know if it comes out or starts shifting since your permanent crown may not fit if the base shifts too much.
- The second visit takes place when the permanent crown is complete. The dentist will remove the temporary crown so they can place and adjust the permanent one. While it may take a little time to adjust to the new crown, it will act and feel like a natural tooth. If there are any fit issues, always talk to your dentist before trying to adjust anything yourself.
If you are interested in dental crowns, look no further than Berkshire Family Dental! Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.