A crown is a dental restoration that covers/caps a tooth to restore it to its normal size, shape and function. It will strengthen and improve the appearance of an existing tooth.
When cemented into place, the crown will fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line, becoming the tooth’s new outer surface.
The traditional process of getting a dental crown can be quite an inconvenience, often requiring multiple visits and a few weeks out of your busy schedule. Fortunately, those days of waiting are over at the office of Robert C. Hull, D.D.S. You can receive your permanent crown in just one office visit.
Here are some of the reasons you might need a crown:
- Protect a weak tooth from fracture
- Restore a tooth which has already fractured or has been worn down
- Cover a discolored tooth
- Cover a dental implant
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Restore a tooth where there isn’t enough remaining tooth to support a large filling
- An asthetic/cosmetic modification
What are the steps in a Crown appointment? In most cases, you will not have to wait for a few weeks to have to wait for a lab to prepare your crown. There are several steps that take place to prepare the crown for placment. First, the denist prepares your tooth by removing its outer portion to accommodate the shape of the crown. In some cases, additional shape is needed to support the crown, the dentist will build up the core of the tooth.
Our E4D system is used to take digital images of your tooth, and the dentist builds your tooth in a CAD program. These scans eliminate the need for impressions, while maintaining the necessary precision for customizing your dental restoration. The scans are sent to the internal mill where it is shaped and sized to your specifications. It is then colored and glazed to match the rest of your teeth.
When the crown is ready, the dentist puts it in place and makes any necessary adjustments. When you and the dentist are satisified with how the crown looks and feels, the dentist cements the crown into place and will function and should be cared for as a natural tooth.
Proper post-procedure care is essential for ensuring optimal results and speedy healing. During the first 24 hours, it is best that you avoid eating sticky or tough to chew foods, as this may irritate your newly bonded tooth. Once the critical period has passed, you can go back to eating and drinking as you normally do. While it’s possible (but not likely) to experience lingering sensitivity in the crown or surrounding gum tissue, it is fortunately temporary and should disappear within a few weeks.
If you are considering same day crowns, or we have treatment planned a crown for you, and would like more information, call us at (540) 463-3826 to speak with our Scheduling Coordinator.