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Dental Crowns Farmington Hills, MI
One of the most common dental treatments involves fixing tooth decay. The first line of defense against a cavity is a filling. However, deeper decay may require more extensive repair. In such cases, dentists may rely on a dental crown treatment or a dental cap.
Dental crown treatment is available at Farmington Dental Studio in Farmington Hills and the surrounding area. Crowns help restore a tooth that has significant damage with a custom-sized cap that fits over the old tooth. We provide dental crowns and restorations for our patients. For broken, damaged, or decaying teeth, crowns may be the right solution. Call us at (248) 579-5312 to get your dental problems checked out today.
Dental Crowns Explained
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, the most common dental restoration is a single dental crown. Dentists utilize dental crowns in a variety of treatment situations. Crowns may help protect vulnerable teeth from further decay. They may cap damaged teeth and cover deep fillings. Crowns often complete dental implants or cover teeth treated with root canals. Dentists can work with their dental lab and the patient to create custom-fitting dental crowns that may restore a tooth's shape and size to near perfection.
Dentists can work with their dental lab and the patient to create custom-fitting dental crowns that may restore a tooth’s shape and size to near perfection.
How Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Work
Crowns can be attached to an implant. The post of the implant, placed within the jawbone, replaces the roots of the tooth. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, this is a popular procedure in which the number of implant-supported crowns placed each year reaches approximately 2.3 million. A crown over an implant can also serve as support for a dental bridge in the absence of natural teeth in the necessary location.
Several types of crowns vary by material. Common materials for dental crowns include porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, metal, and resin. Metals are typically alloys, which have the advantage of durability but the disadvantage of a conspicuous appearance. Due to this, dentists may use them for molars that are not visible. Porcelain and ceramic materials offer more accurate color matching; however, porcelain fused to metal can offer better wear. Recently, zirconia, a type of ceramic, has become a popular material due to its aesthetic qualities. A study review in the International Journal of Prosthodontics suggests that zirconia may provide a level of durability similar to that of metal-based porcelain.
A crown over an implant can also serve as support for a dental bridge in the absence of natural teeth in the necessary location.
Preparing for Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
Patients who opt for a dental crown first need an appointment to prepare the tooth. Our dentist must make sure that the roots are in good shape. If X-rays and other examinations reveal decay or infection, a root canal may be necessary. The other preparation steps include the following:
- Shaping the tooth: If the tooth’s surface is mostly intact, the dentist removes some of the tooth's surface and sides by filing them down., which is usually done under local anesthetic. On the other hand, if there is not a lot of the tooth left, the dentist may need to use filling material to build it up instead.
- Taking impressions: Once the tooth is the right shape and size, our team takes an impression of the mouth using dental putty. An impression of both jaws is necessary to position the crown properly and ensure correct bite alignment. The impression is sent to the dental lab to create a mold for making the crown.
- Making a temporary crown: It usually takes the dental lab about two or three weeks to make the permanent crown. In the meantime, our dentist creates a temporary crown from acrylic. It is attached with temporary cement and shields the tooth until the permanent crown can be placed.
Patients who opt for a dental crown first need an appointment to prepare the tooth.
Receiving a Dental Crown Step-by-Step
It may take a few appointments for a patient to receive a crown. In many cases, the dental crown procedure is part of another dental treatment plan, such as a root canal. Here is the step-by-step process for getting a dental crown:
- Before the Crown: The dentist treats any problems before starting the dental crown creation process. Any infections or cavities must be addressed or filled. Sometimes, an old crown needs replacement. In this case, the dentist will remove the remnants first.
- Preparation: Next, the dentist must prepare the tooth for the crown. The dentist or another member of our team will shave down the tooth to make room for the crown. Then, the dental staff makes a series of impressions to send to the lab. Some patients receive a temporary crown at the end of this appointment.
- Crown Delivery: Once the crown is ready for delivery, the patient must return to the office for placement. First, the dentist tries on the crown to make sure it feels and looks right in the mouth. If it fits correctly, the dentist uses dental cement to glue it in place permanently.
In many cases, the dental crown procedure is part of another dental treatment plan, such as a root canal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental crown last?
Crowns usually last between five and 15 years. Good oral hygiene can extend their lifetime towards the higher end of this range. Additionally, avoid putting stress on them by biting into hard foods or chewing ice.
What should I do if my dental crown comes off?
WebMD recommends cleaning the crown and the accessible parts of the tooth. Call the dental office right away and follow the care instructions given until the appointment. In the meantime, it is possible to use dental adhesive or temporary dental cement to replace the crown. The dentist will either replace the crown permanently or order a new one.
How should I take care of a temporary dental crown?
Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the crown, if possible. Likewise, avoid hard or sticky foods that could pull off the crown. Follow a regular oral hygiene routine but avoid flossing up and down around the crown, as that could displace it.
Is it possible to whiten a dental crown?
Regular tooth whiteners do not work on dental crowns. It is best to choose the preferred color before the crown is placed. Most crowns are made of porcelain or a combination of porcelain and metal. As a result, they do not discolor easily and should not present this problem once placed.
Will my dental crown look like a real tooth?
Crowns are shaped to look like real teeth. We also strive to match them by color and ensure that they do not stand out among the natural teeth. While metal is sometimes used for crowns, it is generally reserved for teeth that are not visible.
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