At the Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, our skilled dentists in Woodlands offer the placement of a dental crown, a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength and improve its appearance. It serves as a long-term restoration solution when the patient has a fractured tooth, a large filling, or has had root canal therapy. It can also be an option for cosmetic improvements, such as improving the appearance of misshapen teeth or fixing severe discoloration that does not respond to other whitening methods.
The Procedure for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are designed to fit snugly and comfortably over the teeth, providing support while restoring function to the tooth. They are often made of porcelain to provide a natural look.
Before placing the crowns, our dentist will first shape the tooth by removing a small portion of the enamel from the outer layer, making the structure shaped to be able to accommodate the crown. They will then take impressions of the teeth to send to a lab where your custom-made crown will be fabricated. These typically take one to two weeks before the permanent restoration is ready. Our dentist will fit you with a temporary crown to help you remain comfortable while you wait.
Once your final crown is ready, they will check it for fit and color and adjust it to ensure a comfortable fit. The crown will then be cemented onto the prepared tooth, where it will provide long-lasting strength and protection. With good oral hygiene and routine checkups, your dental crown can last for many years.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
A crown restores a tooth’s shape and size, strengthening it and giving it the appearance of a natural tooth. Dental crowns can also protect weak teeth from breaking and hold cracked or broken teeth together. Additionally, crowns can be used to cover discolored teeth and function as the visible components of dental implant restorations.
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, resin, metal alloys, and ceramic. Porcelain is commonly used because it is solid and attractive. But no matter what material is used, all dental crowns are custom-made to fit precisely over your existing tooth. Once in place, a crown functions just like your natural tooth.
If you want to learn more about dental crowns and our other restorative dentistry treatments, visit the Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of the Woodlands at 1733 Woodstead Ct Suite 204, Woodlands, TX 77380, or call (281) 367-5256. We would be happy to answer your questions and help you choose the dental treatment that is right for you.
