Crowns: Everything You Need to Know About this Restorative Dental Treatment

Have you recently visited a dentist only to be told you require a new crown? If so you might have a few questions about this treatment and how it can help your dental health. In fact a crown is a very good way of protecting a tooth that has been badly damaged and which has lost quite a lot of its original structure. This might be due to trauma or decay or a tooth might have quite a large filling, perhaps as a result of root canal therapy. Whatever the reason, losing a substantial amount of tooth structure leaves a tooth weakened and vulnerable to further damage and a crown will protect your tooth, covering it up completely right down to the gum line.

You will find our dentist in Downham Market can provide you with a beautiful and very natural looking crown that will be made from the very latest ceramics to blend in with your existing teeth. Once the crown is in place, you will be able to eat and chew normally and after a very short while it should feel like your own tooth.

Are There Any Other Uses for Dental Crowns?

A crown can be a good solution for improving the appearance of a tooth that is very badly discoloured or strangely shaped and we often use crowns during cosmetic dentistry in Downham Market. Crowns can also be used to hold a bridge in place, covering up the abutment teeth either side of the gap. You may also need a crown as part of dental implant treatment, restoring your tooth as the final part of the procedure.

What Materials Can Be Used to Make Dental Crowns?

There are a variety of materials that can be used to make a crown. Quite often we will fabricate a crown with substructure made from a precious metal alloy that is covered up with tooth coloured porcelain. Some people prefer the look of gold and we can create crowns made from this material which will be polished to a high sheen. Another alternative is to have an all-ceramic crown that will not contain any metal and this can be a particularly good solution when aesthetics are important, for example when replacing front teeth. An all-ceramic crown is extremely strong as the materials used to make these restorations are very advanced and this porcelain crown can look extremely natural, closely replicating the translucency found in real teeth.

What Is the Procedure for Having a Crown?

You will normally have to visit Downham Market Dental Care at least twice. The first appointment is for your tooth to be prepared. To do this, our dentist will need to remove any areas of your tooth that are damaged or infected and will carefully shape it. The next step is to take an impression of your tooth that is used by the dental laboratory to custom make your crown. We will cover up your prepared tooth with a temporary crown until your new crown is ready, a process that normally takes a couple of weeks. At your next appointment, your new crown can be tried in and fitted before being permanently cemented in place.

If you’d like to discuss all the options available for dental crowns, please contact our dental practice on 01366 382265.