A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth. Crowns are commonly used to restore a tooth’s natural size, shape, strength and appearance. Crowns effectively cover the entire visible portion of the tooth.
Dental Crowns in Charlottesville, VA
Dental crowns are used in a number of situations including the protection of weak or cracked teeth, the restoral of broken or worn-down teeth, to hold dental bridges in place, to cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth and to cover dental implants. Crowns are often preferred over silver amalgam fillings.
Our experienced dental team can create a crown that looks natural and fits comfortably in your mouth. The location of the tooth, position of the gum tissue, patient preference and the shade and function of the tooth help your dentist decide which materials should be used for your crown.
Dental Crown Process
In order to place the crown, the tooth must be prepared. The outer portion of the tooth is removed to ensure a proper fit. Any decay will be removed at this time as well. If it is determined that additional tooth structure is necessary to support the crown, your dentist might build-up the core of the tooth.
After the tooth is prepared, an impression is made that serves as a model for the crown. You will be given a temporary crown while you wait for the permanent crown to be prepared. Once ready, your dentist will place the permanent crown and make necessary adjustments before fixing it in place.
Caring for Dental Crowns
Proper care of the teeth is important if you wish to prevent damage to your crown. Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Chewing on hard foods and objects should be avoided, especially if you have tooth-colored crowns. Regular dental check-ups can help catch dental problems early, before they become worse.
Our dental office can provide you with the beautiful smile of your dreams. Let us help you decide if dental crowns are the right option for you.