If you have a cavity that is threatening the health and structure of your tooth, unable to be restored with a filling, a dental crown could be the solution to the severe tooth decay. Tooth crowns can serve a variety of restorative and cosmetic needs.
Find out if a dental crown is right for you. Call us at (530) 823-8771 at
In What Situations Would a Dental Crown be Appropriate?
Typically, a dental crown can restore a tooth affected by decay, chips, or other forms of damage. A dental crown can be used to:
- Strengthen a tooth weak from decay
- Hold together a cracked tooth
- Restore a severely worn-down tooth
- Support a tooth missing most of its structure
A dental crown works by covering the tooth and protecting or strengthening its existing structure.
How is a Crown Made?
The tooth receiving the crown will first be reduced by removing the damaged portions of the tooth so that the crown will fit over it correctly.
Dr. Markham will take digital impressions of the tooth to create a precise mold from which the crown will be created, using CAD/CAM software.
For a porcelain crown, your dentist will work with you to choose a shade that best matches your natural teeth. At Maidu Dental, Dr. Markham will be able to design your crown and make any adjustments if needed.
Most patients at Maidu Dental will be able to receive a crown in the same day. If this is not the case, Dr. Markham will place a temporary crown and send the mold to a dental lab where your permanent crown will be fabricated. Once the final crown is ready, Dr. Markham will attach crown to the original tooth. After the crown has been placed, Dr. Markham will assess your bite and adjust the crown placement if necessary.
How Can a Dental Crown Help Me?
A dental crown can benefit a patient in multiple ways. For example, these restorations can:
- Alleviate Sensitivity: Structurally damaged teeth can be sensitive when chewing or drinking hot or cold beverages. A dental crown restores the tooth to help alleviate sensitivity caused by decay.
- Improve Function: With chipped or broken teeth, eating or drinking can be painful. A dental crown can improve your ability to do both.
- Restore Your Bite: By restoring the shape of your tooth or teeth, a dental crown can help restore the bite of your teeth and balance it.
- Improve Aesthetics: Not only can a dental crown restore a decaying or chipped tooth, it can also conceal discoloration.
Aftercare and Lifetime
Practicing daily habits of brushing and flossing will help keep your dental crown in peak shape. The crown does not protect the tooth from decay or the gums from gum disease, so good oral hygiene remains important. Dental crowns can last between five and fifteen years, depending on the location of the crown; the typical pressure put on the crown; and personal habits such as grinding or clenching teeth and biting one’s fingernails.
Dental Crowns and Additional Treatments
A dental crown treatment might be combined with composite bonding. Bonding a tooth with composite resin material is also a cosmetic treatment. Paired with a dental crown, bonding will fill in chips, seal cracks, or protect a tooth root to hold the crown in place.
In some cases, a dental crown will be part of a single dental implant, as the portion that is visible and rests above the gums.
Schedule an appointment at Maidu Dental in Auburn, CA with Dr. Markham today by calling (530) 823-8771 and learn more about dental crowns and other restorative treatment options.