Crowns

Nearly everyone needs restorative work done on their teeth at some point or another. Time and the barrage of stressors teeth encounter on a daily basis will eventually take its toll. One of the most effective ways to save a badly damaged tooth is with a dental crown. Crowns provide reinforced strength and stability to chipped, broken or severely decayed teeth and they look attractive too making them aesthetically appealing as well.

What are dental crowns?

Crowns are made of either porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. They are custom made for each patient to fit perfectly and provide a natural feel and look. They are tooth-colored and all-porcelain crowns will also match the natural translucency of the teeth for the most natural look. Even the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are tooth-colored so patients don’t have to worry about crowns being visible when they eat or speak.

What are crowns used for?

Dental crowns are primarily used to restore a badly damaged tooth to proper function and appearance. While they are usually used for restorative purposes, they can also be used to improve the mouth’s cosmetic appearance.

Problems that crowns are used to treat include:

• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Broken teeth
• Teeth that are too small
• Teeth with large cavities
• Cosmetic blemishes

What is the procedure for a dental crown?

A crown will require two visits to complete. During the first appointment, Dr. Wynn will begin by numbing your tooth with a local anesthetic. She will then remove the decay and damaged area to ensure the tooth is free of bacteria. An impression will be made of the tooth and adjacent teeth, as well. The impression will be sent to a dental laboratory where a professional craftsman will make the porcelain crown to perfectly fit your mouth.  The first appointment will end after a temporary crown is placed which will remain for about 7-10 days until the permanent crown is ready.

At your second appointment, Dr. Wynn will cement the custom-made crown to your tooth. She will make minor adjustments to it so your natural bite is maintained and you are comfortable. Dr. Wynn and her skilled team will ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.

What are onlays?

Onlays are often referred to as partial crowns. With these crowns, your natural tooth is used as the “base,” for an onlay to be placed over the tooth. These treatments protect the teeth in a similar way as traditional crowns, but are smaller and preserve more of the natural tooth.

Onlays are used to treat surface damage, rather than deeper damage as crowns do. While they usually take a few weeks to be made, onlays will leave you with a sturdy, natural smile.

If you are interested in learning more about porcelain crowns or onlays, please call our office today. Our dedicated staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have.