Lakeland dentist, Dentist in Lakeland, FL

Crowns

As we get a little older, our teeth begin to change and are prone to decay. There are many possible reasons for this change in your smile. These reasons can include bruxism(teeth grinding), general decay, cracked fillings, root canals, and many others. If your tooth is beyond repair with a filling material, we may recommend that the best viable option to save the tooth is a full crown. The reasons for this type of restoration in a badly damaged tooth are durability, cosmetic appearance, and overall support of the chewing function.

Types of Crowns

If we decide that you are in need of a full crown, there are a few different options for the repair of your tooth. These options include a full porcelain crown, a porcelain fused to metal or gold crown, or a full gold crown. We will make the determination as to which of these options is the most appropriate for your situation. You can be comfortable in knowing that your new tooth will be virtually unnoticeable and will flawlessly complement the rest of your smile.

Procedure

When we have decided to go ahead with a full crown restoration, we will set aside 2-3 appointments for the entire process. Although the majority of crowns are completed in two visits, there is sometimes a need for a third visit to ensure a proper fit.

The procedure begins with the removal of all decay in the tooth. Once we have removed the decay, we will take an impression of the tooth. This impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted. While this new tooth is created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. Our temporary restorations will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life without worrying about a missing or incompatible tooth.

During your second visit to the office, we will proceed with the placement of your final restoration. This crown will be fitted comfortably into the mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new tooth feels exactly like one of your natural teeth. The final step in the process is to cement the crown into your mouth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.

Restoration
Crown and bridgework, also described as restorative dentistry, involves the restoration of natural teeth that have been damaged, decayed or lost. Crowns and bridges can correct missing teeth, bite dysfunction, and functional or structural problems. A crown can restore an individual damaged tooth back to its original form and function, while a bridge can replace one or more teeth. These restorations are cemented onto the teeth and are referred to as "fixed" dentistry rather than using a removable appliance or partial denture.

Crowns
A crown is a prosthetic placed over an existing tooth to create a smoother, cleaner look and enhance strength and durability. When a tooth is fractured, has an outdated filling, or is severely damaged by decay, the placement of a crown may be recommended. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile. Types of crowns include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown.

The crown restores the appearance of your teeth and can affect the muscles in your face. A crown will be the same size and shape as the natural tooth. As a result, it will keep your jaw and bite aligned; it will also make sure that other teeth don't shift locations or take on a greater share of the work of biting and chewing.

Crown Technology
Today’s well-constructed crowns looks and functions just like natural teeth. Crown technology has improved over the years, and older, less lifelike crowns can be replaced with new ones. They are a great option when the damage or decay is so extensive that filling materials cannot make the tooth strong enough. Crowns are most often made of gold or porcelain but can also be made of stainless steel. Porcelain crowns are carefully matched in color so they cannot be distinguished from your natural teeth. Many people choose porcelain crowns for the cosmetic appearance and the confidence it gives them. New materials are now available that allow the use of "all-ceramic" crowns in some cases. Some people prefer not to use gold because it stands out from the other teeth in appearance. At the same time, if the crown is on a back molar, some people feel the cosmetic issue is not a big one. We will discuss the types of materials available if a crown is recommended.

Protect Your Crown
Once your crown is in place, make sure the area is brushed well and that you floss below the gum line. While the crown protects your remaining tooth from further decay, you must protect the base of the crown from bacterial growth and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing will ensure that your crown will be in place for years to come.

We may recommend a crown if your tooth has enough decay that it cannot hold a filling, or if your tooth is cracked or broken and in danger of cracking down into the root if left unattended.