What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is an artificial tooth cap that encases the entire surface of your tooth above the gumline. It’s made from an impression of your mouth, so it’s designed to fit snugly and comfortably on top of your tooth, providing extra strength and support.
When do I need a dental crown?
Dr. Hernandez might recommend a crown for many reasons, including:
- Restoring a broken or fractured tooth
- Cosmetically enhancing your smile
- Treating a tooth with significant decay
- Replacing several large fillings
- Protecting a compromised tooth
It’s also common to get a dental crown after root canal therapy since it helps to restore the original strength and structure of your tooth.
What are dental crowns made of?
There are a variety of materials suitable for dental crowns, such as:
- Cast gold
- Silver amalgam
- Porcelain
- Composite resin
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
All of these materials have different advantages depending on what tooth is being crowned. Dr. Hernandez is happy to consult with you to pick out a crown that’s best for your unique dental needs.
What does getting a dental crown involve?
Dr. Hernandez fits you with your crown in two easy office visits.
During your first visit, he takes highly accurate impressions of your smile using a 3Shape© intraoral scanner. He sends those impressions to a lab, where a team fabricates it according to the precise specifications of the impression, which can take a couple of weeks.
Next, he numbs your tooth and prepares it by removing some enamel. After preparing your tooth, he attaches a temporary crown to it.
When your permanent crown comes back from the lab, you come in for a second appointment. Dr. Hernandez removes your temporary crown, cleans your tooth, and places your new crown. He checks that the fit, bite, and spacing are accurate, then seals it with dental cement.
How do I care for my dental crown?
Dental crowns don’t require any sort of special care. If you brush twice a day, floss daily, and maintain regular cleanings and exams with Dr. Hernandez, your crown should last for many years.
Schedule your dental crown consultation with Dr. Hernandez by calling the office or booking an appointment online and restore your smile today.
