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Photos: Before and After     Photos: Porcelain crowns  Before & After

     What Is a Crown?

       A crown (also called a cap) is a manmade cover that protect the top of a tooth.

      Why You  May Need Crown?                                                                                         

• A previously filled tooth which has more filling than tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the old filling.
• Extensive damaged or decayed tooth that needs to be restored to its normal shape, size and to function properly.
• Discolorations and compromised esthetics.
• Cracked or broken tooth.
• Root canal - After root canal, teeth tend to become brittle and are more likely to fracture. They, therefore, need to be protected by a crown.                                     
• Bridges - When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth.
                                                                                                                                                 

  The Procedure

  First Visit

  Patient was seated in the dental chair and make him/her comfortable. Topical anesthesia was put in the area where local anesthetic is injected

  Once you are numb, the tooth is prepared in a very specific way in order to maximize the retention and esthetics of your new porcelain to metal (Gold) crown. After the tooth is fully prepared,  the impression is taken of the prepared tooth to send to laboratory for fabrication of your crown with bite registration.

  Temporary crown is cemented with temporary cement which is designed to allow the easy removal at your next visit.

  Should you experience any discomfort you can take a mild analgesic (Tylenol™, Advil™, Anacin™, etc.) as long as there is no medical contraindication based upon your medical history. If there is any pain, please call the office.

  There are a couple of additional facts you should know about regarding the care of your temporary crown:

  • Home care is extremely important while your temporary crown is in place. The health of your gum tissue and the success of your final treatment restoration depends upon it. PLEASE do not be afraid to brush and floss your teeth between visits. With a minimal amount of home care, you should be able to maintain the continued health of your teeth and gum tissue during the time required to fabricate your new crown.

  • Sometimes, even with meticulous care, temporary crowns or bridges may become loose between visits. If this should occur, please place the temporary crown or bridge back on your tooth immediately. Putting a drop of Vaseline™ in the temporary crown or bridge will very often increase the retention and hold the temporary in place until you can schedule an appointment. Once again, REPLACING THE TEMPORARY CROWN IMMEDIATELY IS VERY IMPORTANT ! It only takes a short time for teeth to move if the temporary is not put back into its proper position. This could affect the final restoration significantly and may necessitate new impressions and a great deal of time. If you can not replace the temporary crown yourself, put it in a safe place, please call the office. We will be happy to re-cement it for you at the earliest possible moment.

   

  Second Visit

  The temporary crown is removed and any temporary cement is cleaned from the prepared tooth. Your  final crown is cemented with permanent cement after checking, for accuracy,  any bite discrepancies and or the esthetics. It is not unusual for the new crown to be mildly sensitive to cold temperatures for a few weeks. However, if the sensitivity is severe, does not subside, or if the bite feels uncomfortable, contact the office immediately.

  We hope that this brief instruction sheet will answer most of your questions regarding crowns. Following these simple guidelines will help provide you with the finest in dental care. If you have any questions regarding this or any other procedure, please contact our office.

  What are Bridges?

  The loss of a single tooth can have a major impact on your dental health and personal appearance. Your teeth support and rely on each other. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can shift out of their normal position. Teeth adjacent to the space or from the opposite jaw will often drift or tilt. These teeth are often more susceptible to decay and gum disease because they are more difficult to clean around. All of this shifting and drifting will lead to changes in the bite, which may put stress on the jaws, muscles and teeth. Ultimately, your ability to chew comfortably and your appearance may be affected.

  If tooth loss occurs, your have two options one is to replace with a single Implant and second is to replace with bridge (Adjacent teeth are prepared as crowns) dentist may recommend that a bridge be placed. Single implant or the bridge is effectively replacing the missing tooth and preventing any shifting.

  The procedures involved in making a bridge are very similar to those for making a crown. Bridges can be made from the same materials as crowns - full porcelain, porcelain fused-to-metal (gold), and all metal (gold). At least two appointments are necessary. At the first visit, your dentist will prepare the teeth next to the missing tooth for crowns. An impression of the prepared teeth will be made and a temporary bridge will be placed. At the subsequent visit, your dentist will fit and adjust the bridge and then cement it in place.

  Your new bridge will require some special care when brushing and flossing (use of floss threader) to help you keep the plaque off and prevent further decay and gum disease.