There are many restorative dental procedures available today from fillings, to bonding, root canals, and more. Dental crowns are an extremely common restorative treatment procedure. Dental crowns perform a variety of services including strengthening and protecting a compromised tooth. If you think you may need a dental crown but have questions. Check out some of our questions and answers below.
Questions And Answers About Dental Crowns
Question: What is a dental crown and what does it do?
Answer: A dental crown is similar to a false tooth, only it is hollow and fits over, and is bonded, to your original tooth. Crowns are also known as caps. Crowns are can be made from porcelain, gold alloy, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, and are used to restore a tooth that is weak and/or damaged. Such uses include:
- To restore a severely decayed or damaged tooth
- To strengthen a tooth with an excessively large filling
- To protect a cracked or fractured tooth
- To restore a chipped tooth
- To strengthen and protect a severely worn tooth
- To restore a misshapen, discolored, or otherwise unattractive tooth
- To anchor a dental bridge
- To top off dental implants
Question: How is a crown placed?
Answer: It takes two visits to place a dental crown. The first visit consists of preparing the compromised tooth. This is done by reducing the size of the tooth to accommodate the thickness of the crown. Once the tooth is prepared, an impression will be made and sent to a dental lab where your crown will be custom fabricated. During the second visit your dentist will check the crown for size, color, and an accurate, comfortable fit, then your crown will be bonded to your prepared tooth.
Question: Will I have to worry about the crown coming off?
Answer: No. If your crown is properly placed and bonded by an experienced dentist, it will be permanent.