CONCOURSE DENTAL GROUP
Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns
At Concourse Dental Group we provide custom-made dental crowns made of high-quality, durable materials. Aside from gold crowns, your crown will be the same colour as your other teeth, blending seamlessly with your smile.
What is a dental crown?
A crown is a covering placed over a carefully prepared existing tooth. It can be made of gold, porcelain, porcelain bonded to metal, or zirconium. A dental crown strengthens, restores, and improves the appearance and function of your natural tooth.
When might crowns be necessary?
- to prevent a decayed tooth from fracturing
- to stabilize and restore a fractured or severely damaged tooth
- to restore a tooth after a root canal procedure
- to support a tooth with a very large filling
- to improve the appearance of malformed or severely discoloured teeth
- to cover a dental implant
How is a dental crown prepared?
The crown is prepared in two steps and over two appointments.
At the first appointment the dentist will reshape the entire tooth to create space for the dental crown. If too much of the tooth is missing due to decay or damage, a filling material can be added to create sufficient tooth structure for the crown to cover. Sometimes this may require an additional appointment. An impression of the tooth is taken and sent to the dental laboratory where the dental crown is made. A temporary (or provisional) dental crown is placed on the tooth until the second appointment. A temporary dental crown is used for only a few weeks while the laboratory makes the permanent dental crown. Temporary dental crowns require special care.
The second appointment takes place one to two weeks after the first. The dentist will remove the temporary dental crown and confirm the fit and colour of the permanent dental crown. The dental crown is then fixed to the existing tooth with dental cement. Rarely the permanent crown might have to be sent to the laboratory for adjustments in which case an additional appointment might be necessary.
At the first appointment the dentist will reshape the entire tooth to create space for the dental crown. If too much of the tooth is missing due to decay or damage, a filling material can be added to create sufficient tooth structure for the crown to cover. Sometimes this may require an additional appointment. An impression of the tooth is taken and sent to the dental laboratory where the dental crown is made. A temporary (or provisional) dental crown is placed on the tooth until the second appointment. A temporary dental crown is used for only a few weeks while the laboratory makes the permanent dental crown. Temporary dental crowns require special care.
The second appointment takes place one to two weeks after the first. The dentist will remove the temporary dental crown and confirm the fit and colour of the permanent dental crown. The dental crown is then fixed to the existing tooth with dental cement. Rarely the permanent crown might have to be sent to the laboratory for adjustments in which case an additional appointment might be necessary.
How do I take care of my temporary dental crown?
- avoid sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum
- avoid hard foods that could fracture the temporary crown
- try not to chew on the side of the mouth with the temporary crown
- call your dentist for advice if the temporary crown breaks
How do I take care of my permanent crown?
A dental crown cannot decay but the tooth underneath might develop a cavity or gum disease. Good dental oral hygiene including brushing and flossing is essential. Have regular dental checkups every three to six months to evaluate the health of your teeth and mouth. At each appointment your dentist will assess your teeth, your gums, and the crown.
How long will my permanent dental crown last?
The lifespan of a dental crown depends on maintaining good dental oral hygiene (daily brushing and flossing) and good oral care (including regular visits to the dentist). Detrimental oral habits such as tooth grinding, clenching, or chewing on sticky foods, hard foods, or ice can break or loosen a dental crown. The material used for the dental crown can also influence its longevity. Loose dental crowns can be cemented again provided that the tooth does not have a cavity or fracture. A minor fracture of the crown can sometimes be repaired but a dental crown should be replaced if it has a large fracture.
Concourse Dental Group Dr. Samira Jaffer 65 Queen Street West Concourse Level, Suite BG1060 Toronto, Ontario M5H 2M5 Phone 416-368-7959 Fax 416-368-5697 [email protected] |