Dental Crowns

What are dental crowns?

As we age, many of us find ourselves with teeth that are no longer structurally sound. Root canals, lost fillings, decay below a filling, and chipping and cracking of the enamel are all things that can lead to large-scale defects in a tooth’s surface. When the entire surface of the tooth is a problem, but the root system is intact, a crown might be just what the dentist orders.

Grinding your teeth, an improper bite, age, fillings, and tooth decay can all be contributing factors in the wearing down, cracking, or breakage of your teeth. Dental crowns cover the entire visible surface of your affected tooth and add strength, durability, and tooth stability.

Who is a candidate for crowns?

Dr. Kinn will be able to spot problem areas in your mouth that might lead to tooth damage and a need for crowns. Any teeth that show visible cracks, has large fillings, has had a root canal, or has fractured are all candidates for crowns. Crowns can also serve cosmetic purposes.

How are Tooth Crowns Attached to your Tooth?

Dr. Kinn will make an impression of the tooth or take a 3D scan of the tooth and a dental laboratory will create the crown. You will typically leave the office with a temporary crown to wear while the permanent crown is being made – this takes about two weeks. The permanent crown is then cemented onto your tooth. Typically, only two visits are required for this part of the procedure. Often, a preliminary restoration of your tooth may be needed before a crown can be placed. If necessary to stabilize your tooth, a filling must first be put in place prior to placing a crown, due to the loss of the original tooth structure. Tooth crowns usually last ten to fifteen years.