How Dental Crowns Are Used as a Dental Restoration

Dental Crown Los Gatos, CA

Dental crowns are one of the versatile restorations used in dentistry. Crowns are used to save damaged teeth that cannot be saved using less invasive procedures. Damage can occur to teeth at any time, leaving them severely compromised.

Placing a crown on a tooth requires making permanent alterations by removing enamel to create a better fit. The removed enamel cannot be restored in the future. The tooth will forever need a restoration to serve as its artificial enamel.

Restoring damaged teeth with dental crowns

Dental crowns can fix various types of tooth injuries like decay, fractures, breaks, and chips. They can also be used to address aesthetic issues like discoloration and deformities. Crowns restore the shape, size, and function of damaged teeth. They are designed to fully encase the damaged tooth, hold it together, protect it against irritants in the mouth, and protect it against bite forces.

Some of the more popular uses of dental crowns include:

  • Placed on implants to replace missing teeth
  • To restore worn-down teeth
  • To close abnormal spaces between teeth
  • To cover up stains, discoloration, and deformities on teeth
  • To protect teeth after root canal therapy
  • To restore broken teeth
  • As anchors for dental bridges
  • To protect severely decayed teeth
  • To shield fractured teeth from irritants in the mouth

The dental crown process

Getting a crown placed on a tooth often requires two trips to the dentist's office. The first visit involves evaluating the patient to determine whether a crown is the correct approach and preparing the tooth for a crown.

Once the patient has been cleared for a crown, the dentist starts the process by administering a local anesthetic to anesthetize the tooth being treated. Portions of enamel are moved from all sides to prepare the tooth for the crown. The patient is asked to bite a mold for an impression of the prepared tooth.

The impression is sent to technicians in a lab who make crowns from impressions. It typically takes about two weeks for the personalized restoration to get back to the dentist. A temporary crown is placed on the patient’s tooth to protect it while they wait.

The patient comes back for another appointment in about two weeks. The temporary crown comes off, and the customized crown is placed on the tooth. Alterations are made as needed before permanently cementing the restoration into place.

Getting the most out of your crown

Dental crowns can last over 20 years when properly maintained. Simple things patients can do to get the most out of their crowns include:

  • Brush twice daily, floss once per day
  • Avoid hard foods that can damage the restoration
  • Visit a dentist two times a year for check-ups
  • Use protective gear like mouthguards when engaged in physical activities

Restore your damaged tooth

A dental crown can provide a permanent solution for an injured tooth. Contact our dental office today to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.scmountaindental.com or call Brent C. Lay, DDS at (408) 500-0813 for an appointment in our Los Gatos office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns in Los Gatos, CA.

Recent Posts

How Your Dentist Uses A Dental Crown

If you’ve ever broken a tooth, then you’ve likely had a dental crown put on. What you may not know is what exactly a crown is and how they are used by the dentist. The crown itself is a very versatile dental application that works to restore the shape of a tooth as well as…

Commonly Asked Dental Crowns Questions

Understanding the reasons for dental crowns allows those in need of restoration treatment to know if this treatment is the right option for them. Asking a general dentist about dental crowns allows individuals to get the detailed information they need, as general dentists perform restoration services on a daily basis, thus making them experts on…

Pros And Cons Of Porcelain Crowns

One thing that patients who are getting a dental crown will quickly learn is that there are three primary types of crowns.The reason a dental crown is needed is to help repair a badly damaged or decayed tooth. Because the dental crown is able to protect the natural tooth root, it is always recommended by…

Consider A Dental Bridge To Replace Missing Teeth

Learning how Dental Bridges replace teeth is important, as there are a few different types of teeth replacement options now available. It is important to replace missing teeth, as a full set of teeth supports a healthy mouth. Getting dental treatment in a timely manner is essential to prevent additional dental-related problems.Considering dental bridges as…

Recent Posts

How Lasers Help Treat Gum Disease

How Lasers Help Treat Gum Disease

You may have recently had a dental checkup and been told that you have gum disease. While no one likes to find out they have a gum infection, there are various treatment options available, depending on the severity of your condition. Laser periodontal treatment, for example, is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional treatments.Periodontal disease,…

Tooth Removal And Dentures Procedures

Tooth Removal And Dentures Procedures

If you're getting tooth removal and dentures, don't worry; the procedure is safe and comfortable. Both procedures involve the removal of your diseased teeth and replacing them with new artificial teeth that look and feel very much like your original teeth—sometimes even better! This article will provide you with a basic overview of tooth removal…