A dental crown is one of the best ways to save an existing tooth that has become damaged, broken or otherwise compromised. The goal is always to try and save the natural tooth even once damage occurs, so a dental crown is often the perfect solution to both saving what remains and restoring appearance and functionality.
At Oak Road Dentistry, our comprehensive dental services include general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry so every need is covered. Our team of experts is here to provide you with quality service and compassionate care, no matter if you’re just visiting for a regular cleaning or are undergoing a more involved procedure such as a restoration.
What Is a Dental Crown?
One of the most common types of restorative dentistry is a dental crown. Crowns are often considered the gold standard when it comes to dental restorations because they can lead to your mouth functioning, looking and feeling “as good as new.”
Crowns are typically made of either porcelain, a composite material or metal. All of these are designed to perform in a strong, sturdy and long-lasting fashion, and are crafted to mimic the natural aesthetic of your existing teeth so they look great too.
They are molded to match the shape of the tooth they are replacing so that your bite remains in alignment. Then this newly created crown, also sometimes referred to as a cap, is placed over the existing damaged tooth and bonded in place.
When properly cared for, crowns can last for many years – often decades! And the bonus is that the care required is no more complicated than the good oral hygiene habits you’re already following: brushing twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Take?
While they may sound intimidating, dental crown procedures can often be completed rather quickly. With the right preparation, the procedure itself can even be finished in one day.
Thanks to advancements in technology, with same-day crowns, a scanner can be used to create a digital impression versus the use of traditional impression trays. The dental crown is then crafted from a composite material right in the dentist’s office. The damaged or decayed tooth is prepped for the new crown to be placed over it, and the entire procedure can often be completed without need for leaving and returning for another appointment at a later date.
Traditional crowns are an option as well, depending on your preferences and personal situation. In this case, an impression is taken of the mouth to ensure that bite, alignment and shape of the new crown will be an exact match to the natural tooth. The impressions are sent to a lab for the crown to be cast and sent back to the dentist’s office. In this case, the tooth is prepped and a temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth until the permanent crown has arrived for final placement.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Our office in Snellville, GA features state-of-the-art technology for all your restorative dentistry needs, including dental crowns. Our team will walk you through the process and explain dental crown procedures to help create a treatment plan that’s right for you. Learn more about your dental crown options by contacting our office today at 770-985-9559 to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online.