What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns des moines iowa are a very common restoration. When a tooth has decay that cannot be filled with a simple composite filling, a crown can be used to ensure the integrity of the tooth. Crowns are also placed once a tooth has had root canal therapy. Dental crowns can be on individual teeth, used on a bridge or for dental implants. Bridges allow for a missing tooth to be replaced and rely on neighboring teeth for support. Bridges and crowns are permanent and cannot be removed without a dentist.

How do crowns work?

Crowns can be made using metals or porcelain. Porcelain is able to be tinted to match your teeth but metals are stronger and less susceptible to fracture. Full crowns cover your entire tooth surface beyond the gum line and ¾ crowns cover most of the tooth.

If you have had a tooth extracted, you may be advised to have an implant placed to restore the area. An oral surgeon will place the actual implant into your jaw and your dentist will restore the area with an implant crown which is screwed or cemented onto the implant.

After root canal therapy, a crown is usually placed to maintain the structural integrity of the tooth. Over time, a root canal treated tooth can weaken. A crown will protect the tooth from becoming damaged.

How do bridges work?

Since bridges need the support of healthy, neighboring teeth, they are a little more involved than one crown. To fill the space left by an extraction or otherwise missing tooth, your dentist can have a bridge fabricated with two or three teeth. A fake tooth, called a pontic, is created with a crown attached either to one or both sides. The crown is cemented onto the supporting tooth or teeth and the pontic is held in place over the gums, filling the space.

How are crowns and bridges made?

Your dentist will begin treatment by removing any decay and preparing the tooth to receive the crown. To prepare the tooth, your dentist removes a small amount of enamel on all surfaces to allow space for the crown and ensuring a tight fit.

If your crown or bridge is to be made by a dental lab, your dentist will take an impression to send to the lab so they can make sure the crown matches and fits. You will leave your dental office with a temporary crown or bridge and return a couple of weeks later to have your permanent restoration set. If your dentist is able to make the crown in the office while you wait, you will leave with your permanent restoration on the same day!

How long will my new crowns or bridge last?

With good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dental office, crowns and bridges can last a lifetime! If your restoration comes loose or falls out, get to your dentist as quickly as possible so they can recement it. Should that happen, that could indicate a problem and you may end up needing a new one.

More on Dental Crowns : What are the Types of Dental Crowns?