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Crowns

Crowns are custom-made restorations that are placed over a small part of the original tooth, after it has been filed down. Crowns are used to repair damaged or missing teeth and prevent the shifting of other teeth, which can happen following tooth loss. Crowns help to restore tooth function and appearance.

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• Explanation of Procedure

  This procedure requires two visits to the dentist, that last approximately 45 minutes each. The first visit to the dentist is for a fitting. If all goes well with the fitting, the second visit is slightly shorter, about forty-five minutes, but this could be longer if adjustments need to be made in the fit.

  During the first trip, the tooth or teeth that will be crowned will be reduced, that is, prepared to support the crown structure. This involves removing the 1-2 millimeters of tooth structure. Of course, if the tooth damage is the reason for the crown, that is the part that is removed. The reduction process leaves a thimble shape that will receive the crown or crown ends of the bridge.

  An impression is made of the reduced teeth and a temporary crown is put in place to function while the final crown is being made. The laboratory uses the impression to custom make the final restoration. It is important that the crown or crowns fit exactly to avoid decay in the future and provide good function of the artificial teeth. During the second trip, the temporary crown or bridge is removed, the area cleaned, and the final crown or bridge is cemented or bonded into place.

• Post-Op & Longterm Recovery

  One problem that can occur between the two procedures is a loosening of the temporary crown. If this should happen to you, place the crown back on your tooth immediately and as soon as possible call for an appointment to have the temporary crown refitted. It is important to act quickly as the surrounding teeth might move, significantly affecting the final restoration.

  After the restoration is placed in the mouth, it is not unusual for the teeth receiving the new crowns to be mildly sensitive to extreme temperatures for several days following the treatment. If the sensitivity is severe - or if your bite feels uncomfortable you should contact your dentist because further adjustments to the bridge or the crown might be necessary.

  Recovery is quick, with teeth feeling back to normal within a day or two. If the teeth remain sensitive for a period longer than this, or there is pain that cannot be controlled by over-the-counter medication, you should return to your dentist. Further adjustments may need to be made with the crown placement.

  It is especially important to brush, floss, and have regular visits to the dentist. With care, crowns last 5 - 15 years, some significantly longer. If any damage is noticed to the structure of the crown, an immediate trip to the dentist is recommended to avoid further damage due to the weakened structure.

• Risk & Limitations

  The placement of any restorative fixture in the mouth brings a risk of breakage, especially if care is not taken to avoid chewing things such as ice, popcorn kernels, or olive pits. Furthermore, depending on the materials used to manufacture the fixture, there is a greater or lesser risk of breakage. As strength is often traded for aesthetics, this issue should be discussed with your dentist.

The information provided on surgeryBA.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her physician. Individual results may vary according to each patient's individual objectives, health, and circumstances. The information provided here stems from our professional experience with patients and from our doctor's advise.