Tooth Crown
What’s The Process Of A Tooth Crown?
On the first visit, we will prepare your tooth in order to place a crown on it. The crown shape must be fitted, so this will require some minor drilling to give the tooth a uniform shape.
Will I Feel The Pain?
The tooth and the surrounding area will be numbed beforehand. If there is very little tooth structure left to begin with, the tooth may have to be built up with filling material, rather than filed down, to support the crown.
What Does The Doctor Do With The Impressions?
After the tooth is prepared, impressions of your teeth are taken, either digitally or with reliable, putty-like impression materials. These impressions are then sent to a dental laboratory. There, the impressions will be used to make models of your teeth for the creation of a crown. The models are guides used by the highly skilled lab technicians, who will ensure that your new crown is designed to enhance your smile and function well within your bite.
Will My Tooth Be Protected Till I Receive The Permanent Crown?
Before you leave the office, a temporary crown will be attached to your tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready. At the second visit, your permanent crown will be attached to your tooth with either a resin that hardens when exposed to a special light source, or a type of permanent cement. Need more information about crowns?
Additional Questions about your Tooth Crown? Call us at 1-918-250-8861
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Creating A Bridge
Crowns can also be used to create a lifelike replacement for a missing tooth. This is done with bridgework, which spans the space of the missing tooth and requires at least three crowns. Two of those crowns will be placed over healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth; these healthy teeth are referred to as abutment teeth. The two crowned abutment teeth become supports for a third crown placed in between them; that third crown is referred to as a pontic.
Abutment Teeth
The number of abutment teeth necessary to replace missing teeth is influenced by the number of missing teeth, the size and length of the abutment tooth roots, the amount of bone support each abutment tooth has, as well as where in the mouth the missing tooth is located. For example, if you have three missing teeth, four abutment teeth may be necessary, thereby creating a seven-tooth bridge.
Caring for Your Crowns & Bridgework
You must actively care for your Crowns and bridgework. Brush and floss between all teeth — restored and natural — every day to reduce the buildup of dental plaque. With crowns, it is even more important to maintain your regular schedule of cleanings at the dental office. Never use your teeth as tools and If you have a grinding habit, wearing a night-guard.