Our teeth are susceptible to a number of factors that can impact their functionality and their appearance. In instances when a tooth has been significantly weakened or cosmetically impaired, your dentist may recommend restoration with a dental crown.
A crown will fully cover the visible surfaces of a tooth with a custom-designed tooth-shaped shell of porcelain, metal, or gold. Gold crowns have a great number of benefits, such as long-lasting strength and superior fit. However, many people are reluctant to receive a full gold crown due to perceived aesthetics. When placed in the back of the mouth, gold crowns are barely noticeable. To remedy aesthetic concerns, a metal-based crown can be made with a porcelain overlay, leading to a seamless, white smile.
Dental crowns may be used on a single tooth to restore strength after damage, or after root canal therapy. Crowns are also an integral part of dental bridges, which are used to replace lost permanent teeth. The bridge appliance will contain two dental crowns, which are secured to the teeth on each side of a gap. In between these crowns is a pontic, or artificial tooth that sits on top of the gums, filling the empty space.
Receiving a dental crown or dental bridge in our Blue Springs dental practice restores your smile to its most functional condition. The process is typically completed in two to three visits, with the first devoted to preparing the tooth or teeth to be fitted with dental crowns. Preparation consists of removing damaged tooth structure and shaping the tooth for optimal fit of the dental crown. Our dentists ensure your comfort by thoroughly numbing the area before treatment begins. After reshaping the tooth, an impression is made. This mold will be sent to the dental lab to guide the fabrication of your new dental crown. A temporary crown is placed, protecting your tooth from sensitivity while you wait for your permanent crown.
Creating a dental crown in the laboratory takes approximately two weeks, at which point you return to our office for the removal of the temporary, and the placement of your permanent crown. Your dentist will once again use local anesthetic to numb the area to ensure comfort.
Dental crowns and bridges have long been standard forms of restorative dental treatment. Crowns typically have a life span of up to fifteen years, and they are maintained with the hygiene practices recommended by the American Dental Association. With twice a day brushing and daily flossing, your restored smile can last many years.