Dental Crowns Dental crowns are one of the most flexible and multipurpose options we have in our restorative dentistry toolbox. Riverstone Dental Group uses crowns to correct a number of different issues and can help you select your very own tooth crown. What is a Dental Crown?Just like you sometimes wear a hat to protect your head, our teeth also need protection. These “hats” are what we call dental crowns and are placed over the anatomical crown of the tooth, which refers to the top exterior. Some crowns will cover the entirety of the exterior, while others will cover just a portion. Why We Recommend CrownsDental crowns are so useful that we may recommend one for a variety of reasons. For the most part, a crown is placed to restore a tooth that has been damaged in some way, typically diminishing its size, shape, structural integrity, or other physical factor. A common reason that many patients receive a crown is because they have a tooth that is severely decayed, cracked, or worn down. Placing a crown over it both protects and restores the tooth. Other reasons we may prescribe a crown include protecting a weakened tooth with a large filling, capping a dental implant, shielding a tooth that has undergone a root canal, anchoring a dental bridge, or even just for cosmetic reasons. What Can Your Tooth Crown Be Made Of?We offer lots of materials to pick from. Gold has one of the longest records of use in dentistry and is both affordable and durable, potentially lasting for decades before needing to be replaced. Of course, a gold crown will draw the eye, even if it is a molar in the back of your mouth. For the most natural looking crown we recommend porcelain, though these are also much more prone to chipping and other damage. How We Place Your CrownTypically, getting your dental crown is a two-step process, though this can vary significantly depending on the exact reason that the crown is being placed. During the first step, we will examine the tooth that is to be crowned. This may require X-rays so that we are equipped with all potentially relevant information. In some cases, we may need to file down or otherwise alter the tooth in question so that the crown be placed in a way that will feel comfortable and natural in your mouth. At this point you will receive a temporary crown, as designing and producing your permanent custom crown will take some time as we want to make sure it fits perfectly for your unique mouth. When the permanent crown is done, you can come back for step two when we place it, completing your smile. Are You in Need of a Tooth Crown?We use dental crowns for a wide variety of different issues, so if you are dealing with anything from a cavity to a tooth with infected pulp, a quality crown from Riverstone Dental Group may be able to help you. To discover all the ways that a crown can make a difference in your smile, call (925) 414-9250. |