Dental Crowns
At Premier Dental Care of Buckhead, we understand the importance of maintaining the health of your teeth. During routine checkups, we always evaluate your teeth for decay or damage. While we always recommend preventative measures first, sometimes additional restorative treatment is necessary to repair the decay or damage present. Typically, when a tooth has a significant amount of decay or a large fracture, a crown will be recommended to save the tooth.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are handmade restorations to recreate and protect your teeth, while restoring structure, esthetics, and function. They typically last longer than dental fillings and come in many forms. In most cases, a small amount of tooth structure is removed from the periphery of the natural tooth to make room for the dental crown. Crowns and veneers are both very similar and mostly vary in terms of the design of the preparation.
Types of Dental Crowns
- Porcelain Crowns and Veneers – Typically the most sought-after restorations due to their esthetics, porcelain crowns and veneers are handmade by our ceramist to enhance or mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Porcelain crowns and veneers provide the best mix of durability and appearance but may not always be indicated in back molars. There are many types of porcelain, and the exact type may vary in each case. Unfortunately, there are many inferior materials being used today, so it is important to check with your dentist and make sure you are getting the best material possible.
- Porcelain to Metal Crowns – These are often used for back molars to provide extreme durability and excellent esthetics. These combine the beauty of porcelain with the strength of precious metals such as gold and palladium.
- Gold crowns – The most durable material in the mouth is gold. While many decide against using gold for esthetic reasons, it can be an excellent choice in back molars to provide the best durability and longevity.
What Happens During a Dental Crown Appointment?
One of our doctors will see you after diagnosing a need for a dental crown. The reasons for a dental crown may vary, but can include large decay, fractures, cracks, erosions, bite correction, esthetics, or after a tooth has been treated with a root canal. Once a treatment plan is devised, they will see you for a preparation appointment. The tooth will be numbed and prepared. Oftentimes, a dental filling will be placed at the same time, known as a “core buildup.” Once prepared, an impression of the tooth will be completed and a temporary crown will be placed. Our ceramist will meet with you to discuss the material and appearance you desire. Lastly, you will return in a month to have the final dental crown delivered. This is typically a shorter appointment that may not require any numbing.
Aftercare for Dental Crowns
With most dental crowns, you can function on them right away, keeping in mind that your teeth and gums may be numb for several hours. It’s important to continue to brush and floss around your dental crown to prevent new decay from starting. It’s possible that you may experience some initial sensitivity after your teeth are restored and your mouth adjusts to some changes. We will continue to monitor all restorations at your checkup appointments to make sure they are all doing well. Call us today to see how we can help restore your mouth to give you the smile you want!
