Dental Crown Procedure

A damaged tooth can be unattractive, annoying and even painful. Because of this, it’s important to have a tooth repaired soon after it is damaged. If the damage or decay is left with being treated, the severity of the procedure to repair the tooth will increase until a certain point in which the tooth is no longer salvageable, and needs to be extracted. If a tooth has been damaged moderately, but enough of the tooth can be saved, a dentist may decide that a dental crown is the best option for repair. 

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are dental restorations that replace the crown of a tooth that has been damaged due to decay or infection. Replacement crowns can also serve as abutments for a dental bridge. 

Why a Crown?

Having a missing tooth can make it difficult to bite and chew properly. It can also be annoying and uncomfortable. On top of that, a damaged tooth is unappealing. A crown will help to restore the integrity of a tooth that has been damaged, and will improve the appearance of a tooth. A crown will also help to halt the progression of damage to the tooth—helping to avoid the need for a full extraction.

Crown Procedure

The placement process for a crown starts with a trip to the dentist once a tooth has been damaged, decayed, cracked or is causing pain. The earlier a patient visits the dentist, the more of the tooth a dentist may be able to save. There are certain situations in which the tooth has been damaged due to some form of accident that leads to more severe replacement measures, but for issues like decay, a filling or veneer may be all that is needed to repair the tooth. If the dentist decides that a good portion of the crown is damaged, though, a dental crown will likely need to be placed.

Once the dentist has decided to place a crown, they will begin reshaping the tooth to allow for the placement of the crown. They will then make an impression, and discuss the materials that are available for the replacement prosthetic. For some replacement options, they will take a look at the surrounding teeth to pick a shade for the replacement that matches the surrounding teeth. From there, the dentist will send the impression to a lab to have the prosthetic fabricated. Once the new crown is ready, it will be sent to the dentist. The dentist will then meet with the patient and ensure the replacement fits properly, and looks aesthetically pleasing. Once they are satisfied with the way the replacement looks, they will secure it in place. 

Is a Dental Crown Right for Me?

In order to see if a dental crown is the right repair option for you, set an appointment with a dentist for a consultation. They will take a look at your tooth to determine what the best course of action is for repairing the tooth.

Renaissance Dental Center in Raleigh, NC offers a variety of different cosmetic and restorative dental services including dental crowns. Call to schedule your consult or service today.

Interested in reading more about dental crowns? Here's some more information the different types of dental crowns that are available.