Getting Crowned!
What are crowns? While they may be what gets bestowed on royalty’s heads, they are also a very important and aesthetically pleasing option for restoring our teeth! When a cavity is detected early enough, a composite filling is enough to restore the tooth’s strength. Sometimes though, the cavity has become too large, and something more is needed. This is when dental crowns come into play. Crowns can be described as a tooth-shaped covering or “cap” that is placed on the top of a compromised tooth that can help restore its strength, size, and beauty. They can come in all different kinds of materials, such as metals, porcelain, composite resin, or a combination. During the prep of the tooth that is to be crowned, the dentist and his or her assistant will shade match the permanent crown’s color to your teeth. They will also evaluate the shape and spacing of your teeth to determine the proper fit of your crown. These steps help to ensure that there is a seamless look upon the delivery of the dental crown.
The first appointment of the process, the “crown prep” appointment, is all about restoring the tooth. Once the dentist removes the decay, a temporary crown will be placed on top of the newly restored tooth to protect it while the patient waits for their permanent crown to come in. The impression and qualifying information is sent to a local laboratory where they carefully construct the final product. About three to four weeks later, the patient comes back to have their permanent crown placed. This process is called the “delivery”. The patient has their new crown seated, and is checked to make sure it is comfortable and fits correctly. He or she is usually only there for thirty minutes, and leaves able to enjoy a confident, restored smile.
Do you have questions about the procedure, or have you recently been recommended for a crown and want to set up your appointment? Just give our office a call today, our front desk and clinical staff is eager to answer your questions!
Prince Frederick Dental Center
410-535-5055
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