A dental crown is a custom-made prosthetic that restores a damaged tooth’s shape and appearance. The artificial tooth that is part of a dental implant is also referred to as a crown.
MW Dentistry & Esthetics performs close to 1,000 dental crown procedures every year. We work efficiently to minimize the time patients must spend in the dental chair, and most crown procedures can be completed in two office visits. If your tooth is damaged, a crown may be the best way to restore it.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Most dental crown procedures involve these steps:
- Removing the decay
- Shaping the remaining tooth to prepare it for the crown
- Adding bonding to the tooth to provide a stable foundation
- Using dental putty to take an impression of the tooth
- Sending the impression to a lab, for the creation of the custom crown
- Fabrication of a temporary crown
- A second appointment in which the crown is cemented to the tooth
The procedure may cause slight discomfort, but most patients don’t experience any pain.
Dental Crown Replacement
Dental crowns should last at least five years, and up to 20 years. Over time, the crown’s surface may wear down, the crown may become loose, or it may crack. In some cases, underlying tooth decay may disrupt the bond between the tooth and crown.
If you have a damaged or dislodged crown, MW Dentistry & Esthetics can examine it to determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. Most insurance companies will cover at least part of the cost of a replacement crown every five years.
Caring for a Dental Crown
After a dental crown procedure, it’s best to avoid eating sticky food or hard food for at least 48 hours.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have a damaged tooth, don’t wait to get help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Contact us today to request an appointment