Dental Crowns Can Save a Damaged Tooth or Fix Its Appearance
Majestically named, dental crowns have the ability to take your smile from pauper-like to princely – restoring shape, size, and strength while greatly improving appearance at the same time. Dental crowns fully encapsulate the tooth, visibly covering areas from the gum line and above and providing an aesthetic mask – and practical protection – for cracked or near-broken teeth.
Due to their supreme function, dental crowns can correct a number of unpleasant dental situations. This includes, but is not limited to protecting a weak tooth from breaking (or keeping a cracked tooth from breaking down all together), reconditioning a tooth that may already be broken, or simply covering a tooth that is discolored or unsightly due to decay or other factors.
The Dental Crown Procedure
A heavily restored tooth with lots of fillings is very weak and may become unsightly.
The tooth is prepared with a drill and the surface layer (approximately 1 to 2 millimeters) is removed all around the tooth.
This creates a solid core that has all the weak areas removed.
A full porcelain crown that looks just like a natural tooth can then be placed on top of this prepared core. It replaces the removed structure, and since it is one solid piece cemented to the tooth, it greatly strengthens the tooth, as well as making it look much better.
The porcelain crown can be indistinguishable from the natural teeth.
Also called dental caps or tooth caps, dental crowns are available in a variety of materials, and can be temporary or permanent – each with their own benefits. For example, porcelain crowns are usually used for aesthetic purposes, but may not be as strong or durable. Gold crowns, or all-metal crowns, on the other hand can be molded for a precise fit, and won’t chip even under the heaviest of biting. For the best of both worlds, our Cosmetic Dentist in Beverly Hills can fashion a porcelain window – combining the durability of an all-metal crown as the base, together with a great look via porcelain siding that is fashioned on the area of the tooth that is visible to others.
In terms of process, any Dentist in Los Angeles will tell you it usually takes about two visits to install a dental crown, with trips to the office two weeks apart from each other. Upon your first visit, your tooth will be shaped – trimmed away so it is the optimal size and shape to receive a crown; while also removing any decay that may be present. In addition, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth so the model can be sent away, a cast can be formed, and the crown can be manufactured. And ensuring you don’t leave the office with an exposed shaved tooth, you will be fitted with a temporary crown, usually made of plastic, until your permanent crown is ready to be affixed – which typically takes around two weeks time.
When the big day arrives, the rest of the process – like the initial stages – is quite painless. If required, you can be numbed, but many patients are able to proceed pain-free and comfortable without anesthetics. You will then “try on” your new, permanent dental crown, and your Dentist will evaluate the fit before permanently affixing it to your tooth.
It is at this time that you will have a chance to play a part in the process by evaluating just how well your new dental crown matches and blends in with the other teeth – and if it is up to your standards. Once all is agreed upon, your crown is cemented in place, covering all evidence that you ever had a problem tooth to begin with.
For more information please contact us at: 310.278.0600
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