Dental Crowns

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens the tooth structure giving the tooth a longer life than it would have if restored by fillings or other types of restorations.

Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break, or is too broken down to be restored with a filling. They are most commonly done after root canal treatment, or when a large filling wears out.

The larger the hole made by a cavity that has to be treated, the more likely a crown will be needed. Even after a filling is put in a large cavity, a tooth is more likely to break.

Keep in mind that the jaw muscles are the strongest in the human body. Teeth are subjected to tremendous pressures. Crowns ride over the weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting the tooth against breakage. A broken or cracked tooth is a far more serious matter and much more difficult to treat. Crowns prevent this, as well as making for a nice smile.

It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth for use in fabricating a crown. Between the two visits the crown is made, usually of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material, or gold. A temporary crown is worn during this time. In the second visit this temporary is removed. Then the permanent crown is adjusted as needed and then cemented in place.

What Does Getting A Crown Involve?
A crown procedure no longer requires two appointments. With today's technology, we are able to complete your crown in the same day using CEREC.

CEREC stands for CERamic REConstruction and is a tool in our office that can take precise digital imagery of areas needing restoration and produce the appropriate restoration on the spot. The CEREC technology is also referred to as a Same Day Crown, a Single Visit Crown or a One Day Crown.

With our CEREC cad/cam machine, you can have your crown or other restoration completed in just one visit. We will design and custom fit your tooth precisely with our computer milling unit right in the office. You no longer need to have a temporary crown or wait weeks for the laboratory to fabricate your crown.

CEREC can be used for a full range of single-unit indications: inlays, onlays, partial crowns, posterior crowns, anterior crowns and veneers.

You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your crown. As always, proper oral hygiene will help extend the life of your new crown.