Kendall Park Dental Crowns
American Family Dentistry is well experienced in replacing tooth decay and badly worn or chipped teeth with dental crowns in Kendall Park. Dental crowns are typically recommended when a tooth has decayed too badly on the outside to be replaced with a general filling. Another major indication for a crown is a cracked tooth, especially if it is sensitive to bite. In the case of a crown, we would remove the outer surface (decayed area if necessary) and “cap” it with a fixed material. Dental bridges are very similar to crowns in both material and procedure. The only difference being that a bridge is typically used to replace an entire tooth, either from tooth loss or decay that is beyond repair.
Dental Crown Procedures
Fitting a dental crown will typically involve a two visit procedure. The first visit usually consists of prepping the tooth. The dentist will remove any remnants of the decayed tooth and file the outer layer down to make room for the crown itself. After the tooth is prepped, the dentist will then take impressions of the tooth and surrounding teeth for the fitting. This is then sent off to a dental lab for manufacturing of the permanent crown. A temporary crown will be set in place for the interim until your next visit.
Once the permanent crown is ready to be fitted you will come in for your second visit. At this time the dentist will remove your temporary crown and deliver your permanent crown in with permanent cement. After the second visit is over, your crown should look, function and feel like a regular tooth! Contact American Family Dentistry for dental crowns in Kendall Park.
Typical Compositions of Dental Crowns
Metal-alloy crowns – these are typically a mix of gold blend with another metal such as silver, platinum, copper, palladium or tin.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns – these types of crowns are composed of a thinner layer of porcelain that is fused to a metal base or substructure. This option gives your dentist a better opportunity to match the outer porcelain to the shade of your surrounding teeth. These offer a more natural look than full metal crowns.
Full metal-free crowns – non-metal crowns are growing to be the most popular, and typically what your dentist will recommend. These are fabricated from materials such as alumina, leucite, zirconia, and porcelain. These non-metal crowns are best for a natural appearance and should last the longest.
When to Consider a Crown or Bridge
Most often patients are in need of a crown or replacement when tooth decay has destroyed most of the natural tooth. The crown provides protection for the remainder of the tooth and root structure. Doctors may also recommend the use of a crown after root canal therapy on posterior teeth. Using a crown in these circumstances will help solidify and protect the remaining tooth. Crowns can also be used as a cosmetic option to repair badly chipped and cracked teeth or to close space between teeth.
- To fix a badly decayed tooth
- To repair a badly chipped or fractured tooth
- After root canal therapy (to protect the tooth & root structure)
- To close gaps in teeth (aesthetic purposes)
Dr. Kuma Kalaria, DDS
Dr. Kalaria is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry (NYU) and has been practicing dentistry since 2009. She has a wide range of experience in providing the best family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, implant and restorative dentistry.