Dental Crown
Bend, OR
At Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend, we offer an array of treatments ranging from dental fillings, to dental crowns, dental implants, and dental bridges. Depending on the extent of the decay present on a tooth, dental crowns are often one of the most used treatments for restoring a tooth to full health.
A dental crown is a ceramic or porcelain prosthetic that is cemented onto your damaged tooth. If a tooth has been damaged with decay, has fractured or cracked, crowns may be recommended as a filling or inlay may not be the best long-term treatment. Dental crowns are used as the “tooth” portion of a dental implant, to support a dental bridge, or for cosmetic modifications. Some of the materials we use to create the crown include resin, gold, metal, porcelain, and ceramic. These materials will be used to make a custom crown to fit each tooth that requires restoration.
Dental Crown Procedure
Dental crown treatment will require up to two dental visits to our office. In the first visit, the teeth receiving the crowns will be carefully examined, and we will take x-rays to establish the condition of the roots and the surrounding bone.
If the internal portion of the tooth is extensively damaged through decay, you’ll have to undergo a root canal treatment first. Otherwise, we will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, and the tooth that will receive the crown will be filed down to make room for your new crown. Our team will also use shade matching to make sure that your new crown matches perfectly next to your existing teeth. If you are unhappy with the shade of your natural teeth, we recommend a teeth whitening regimen before your new crown is placed, as the porcelain material of the crown cannot be whitened.
After your tooth has been shaped and the decay fully removed, a putty or a special paste will be used to make a mold of the tooth. In some instances, a digital scanner may be used to make the impressions. These impressions will then be sent to our dental lab where we’ll manufacture the crown. This can take up to three weeks to complete. While you are waiting to receive your new crown, your tooth will be covered using a temporary crown.
During the second visit, the permanent crown will be examined to make sure it matches the color of the tooth and fits perfectly, so it doesn’t affect your bite. If everything is in order, the area around the tooth will be numbed, and the permanent crown will be cemented into place.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Dental crowns are an important part of restorative dentistry, giving you the functionality, strength, and shape of a natural tooth. After your dental crown is cemented in place, you’ll be able to eat, smile, and enjoy your natural looking smile again. We recommend avoiding chewing on ice, as this can wear away at the surface of your teeth and any restorations in your mouth, shortening their lifespan. Your crown, if well cared for with a good oral hygiene routine, should last you between 10-15 years.
For more information about dental crowns, contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend at (541) 389-0261 any time. |
