Dental crowns are most often used to repair broken or severely damaged teeth. However, they can also be used for cosmetic reasons to improve the look of heavily discolored teeth or teeth that are misshapen or asymmetrical. The type of treatment used depends entirely upon your individual circumstances and goals.
Uses for Dental Crowns
Treatment with crowns can correct a wide range of issues. In general, a crown is used as treatment for the following problems:
- Severe damage to a tooth
- Severe decay
- Repair after a root canal
Cracking, pits, chipped edges, or severe discoloration are also sometimes treated with crowns, as are misshapen or extremely asymmetrical teeth. In many cases, though, these less severe issues can be addressed with veneers. [pullquote]Crowns can also be used for cosmetic reasons to improve the look of heavily discolored teeth or teeth that are misshapen or asymmetrical.[/pullquote]
Crowns used to be made of metal, often gold. However, today they can be made of porcelain or metal bonded with porcelain for a more natural look. You and your dentist can decide what type of crown works best for you based on which teeth are being treated.
Procedure for Placing a Crown
Crowns are placed in a two-step procedure. During the first step, your dentist makes a mold of your tooth. Your final, permanent crown is made from this mold so that it exactly duplicates the look of the tooth being treated.
After the mold is made, the tooth is ground down to make room for the crown. The dentist then places a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it until the final crown can be placed.
When the permanent crown returns from the off-site lab where it is manufactured, your temporary crown can be removed and replaced. The permanent crown is cemented into place and then adjusted to ensure your bite will be comfortable.
A crown can last a very long time, especially if it is made of metal. If you have damaged teeth and would like to find out more about how crowns can help you maintain a permanent, perfect smile, please contact our experienced dental team at Nicholas Kemp Dentistry.