Kingston Dental Crowns Glossary

Cosmetic Dentist Dental crowns, also known as "dental caps," "tooth crowns," or "tooth caps," are one of the most effective dental solutions that help cover over and encase the tooth on which they are cemented. Crowns may be used to protect a decayed tooth, cover discolored teeth and dental implants, strengthen teeth, restore a broken tooth or hold a dental bridge in place.

Dental crowns can be made of metal, ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or resin. The type of crown utilized by your dentist during the clinical procedure will depend on your specific dental needs and goals. You'll have to talk to your dentist about the options available to you before selecting the full coverage crown.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Crowns typically take two visits to complete. During the first visit, the dentist takes an X-ray to examine the extent of decay or damage in your tooth. He also files the chewing surface and sides of your natural tooth's structure to accommodate the dental crown and prepare the surrounding teeth. After that the dentist makes a molded impression of the teeth to send to a dental laboratory where the crown is created in about two weeks. A fitted, temporary crown is then created to temporarily protect the tooth between visits to ensure the most natural look and feel of your teeth. During the second office visit, the temporary crown is removed and your new, permanent dental crown is securely bonded in place.

With recent technology, such as CEREC® and CAD/CAM technology (computer-aided design/manufacturing technology), which displays a 3-D picture of the teeth and allows for a restoration to be created through milling of a ceramic block, your permanent dental crown can be placed in just one visit. If this technology is located in the dental office, there will be no need for a temporary crown or return visit for the permanent cementation.

When you get your shiny new crown you'll still need to take good care of your teeth if you want the crown to last between 5-15 years. You can do so by brushing your teeth regularly, eating a well-balanced diet and visiting your dentist every six months.

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The information contained in this Glossary section is provided solely for the convenience of the visitor and does not necessarily reflect or imply the views or services rendered by this office.