Friday and Saturday Hours Available by Appointment Only, Please call
Friday and Saturday Hours Available by Appointment Only, Please call
Dental crowns structure and support damaged, decayed, fractured, and weak teeth. These tooth-shaped “caps” can salvage what’s left of your affected teeth while permanently maintaining your smile. Over time, our teeth weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, or discoloration. Crowns are used to renew the appearance and function of a tooth. Crowns are not limited to just replacing the original tooth but can be designed to create an even better aesthetic appearance.
Many patients have questions about dental crowns, such as what they are used for and what the procedure entails. These restorative little “caps” have many functional purposes and are an excellent aesthetic choice for decayed teeth.
At Dr. Timothy Roney DDS & Associates, we believe in patient education, which is why we’re here to explain everything you need to know about dental crowns. You will feel empowered in our dentist chair if you know all the facts before your procedure.
• To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
• To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there aren’t a lot of teeth left.
• To cover severely discolored teeth.
• To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
Also, they are often used in conjunction with root canal therapy, dental implants, or as an anchor for a bridge.
Crowns are typically made from porcelain to maintain strength and a natural appearance. The process of placing a crown may take 1-2 office visits.
The process of installing and maintaining dental crowns is fairly simple. At Lakewood Dental, we install dental crowns with care. We want you to feel comfortable with the process. Once your caps are in place and you leave our office, your dental hygiene routine will determine how long your crowns stay in good shape.
i. X-rays will be taken to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown. If the tooth has extensive decay or there is a risk of infection, a root canal treatment may be performed first.
ii. Anesthesia is used to numb the area to eliminate pain. The tooth receiving the crown will be filed down to make room for the crown.
iii. Your dentist will make an impression of the tooth using paste or putty. These impressions are sent to the lab where the crown will be manufactured.
iv. A temporary crown is placed to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being made.
i. Once your permanent crown arrives, your temporary crown will be removed, and your permanent crown will be placed over your tooth to ensure the right fit and color.
ii. If the permanent crown is acceptable, an anesthetic will be used to number the tooth, and the crown will be permanently cemented in place.
Once treatment is complete, practice proper at-home care and keep regular office visits to help your crown last many years. Much like your original teeth, crowns require routine brushing and flossing.
Shelby Township, MI