At times the amount of decay, size of the previous filling, or a necessity to prevent a fracture of a tooth makes a porcelain crown (also known as a cap) the restoration of choice. When done properly and with care, they can be of great service to a patient for many years.
Doing a crown is technique-sensitive and the way it is done can differentiate from one dentist to another.
- It is important to maintain the most natural tooth structure under the crown when possible. An experienced dentist trained in the art of prosthetics uses magnification and state of the art dental hand pieces (drills).
- The impression technique must be precise for the crown to fit properly.
- We use only the finest dental labs to process our prosthetic restorations. The dentist and the lab technician work together to ensure that the patient receives the best work.
If you have a fractured tooth, old broken down fillings or a severely decayed tooth, a crown or a cap is suggested. Crowns protect and strengthen the tooth structure and improve your appearance. They improve your overall smile and blend in with your own teeth. After root canal teeth tend to become brittle and more apt to fracture. A crown will protect the fragile tooth underneath.
Three types of Crowns:
- Full Porcelain Crown (or Cap)
- Porcelain fused to metal Crown
- Full metal Crown
Steps of a Porcelain Crown Procedure:
- The tooth is prepared for the crown and an impression or mold is made of the tooth.
- A temporary crown is placed over the prep.
- The impression is sent to the lab where it is fabricated into the crown.
- The final crown is fitted, adjusted and cemented into place.