Dental crowns are valuable appliances that cover and protect teeth damaged by breakage or decay. If you have a problem with your tooth, you may want to know whether you are eligible for a dental crown.
About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, also called caps, are appliances that restore the tooth's natural chewing function and appearance. Your dentist creates a custom crown to match your other teeth and cements it over a prepared natural tooth.
Dentists have multiple options for crown materials:
Same-Day CEREC Crowns
Our practice offers same-day crowns using the CEREC system. Your dentist takes digital measurements using an intraoral camera and designs the crown using a CAD/CAM system. They send the data to the in-house milling machine and produce your crown while you wait. These crowns are equal to or better than traditional crowns in appearance and durability.
Porcelain
Traditional porcelain crowns are durable and attractive. They are often used in the front of the mouth.
Metal
Patients who grind their teeth, especially their back teeth, may need metal crowns. Metal crowns include base metal alloys, porcelain over metal, and gold alloys.
Considerations For Dental Crown Placement
Sufficient Healthy Tooth Structure
A crown requires some amount of healthy tooth material for an attachment point. If the tooth breaks or suffers decay close to the gumline, that may present a problem.
Healthy Roots
If your tooth's root structure has problems, you may not be able to receive a crown. This problem can happen in cases of root resorption or root resection.
Location of Tooth Damage
If a tooth cracks vertically or the crack goes beneath the gum line, you may need an extraction and replacement.
Procedures That Help Place Crowns
If you need a crown but do not have enough healthy tooth material above the gumline, your dentist may perform a procedure called crown lengthening. This procedure removes a small amount of gum tissue from around the tooth, allowing the crown enough clearance to fit over the tooth.
The Process of Getting A Crown
Receiving a crown is a simple, routine procedure. The dentist takes digital impressions using an intraoral camera and then prepares your natural tooth by removing damaged or decayed areas. They take another set of impressions to shape the inside of the crown. When your crown is ready, the dentist cements it into place. You will go home with full tooth function and a renewed smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Should I get a crown if I have a root canal?
Root canal-treated teeth with crowns last longer than teeth with fillings. If you have a root canal, be sure to ask your dentist about receiving a crown to protect the tooth.
How long does a CEREC crown take?
Your appointment will typically last no longer than an hour and a half or two hours.
Call Oak Road Dentistry
If you believe you need a crown, please call our Snellville, GA, office at 770-985-9559. We can schedule a prompt appointment to evaluate your tooth and explain your options.