The Dental Crown Process

When a tooth is damaged from an accident, like a slip-and-fall that results in a chip, or when a root canal leaves little tooth structure left, but the entire tooth doesn’t have to be removed, cosmetic dental professionals will often use a dental crown to encase the damaged tooth. In addition to restoring function, a dental crown has other, similar purposes which we will navigate below. Dr. Anderson routinely provides patients with dental crowns at his Kansas City, MO office.

Dental Crowns completely cover the remaining tooth

Crowns usually serve as as a cover or “crown” for the tooth, thus the name. Since they are custom-fit, crowns allow for full coverage; the crown is cemented into place, without space between that and the gum, so food or debris won’t get in spaces between the crown and gum line, as well as underneath.

Patients who require a dental crown can expect to visit Dr. Anderson’s office at least twice for the procedure. An impression has been taken to create the custom fit dental crown. It’s possible that Dr. Anderson may have to file the remaining tooth, slightly reshaping it so that the crown can fit snugly over it. Crowns often take some time to complete, so patients are usually given a temporary crown so they have pretty regular tooth function, and to protect the damaged area while they await a new crown for a tooth.

Some other reasons a patient may need a crown is to protect a tooth which has been damaged from decay and may be cracking — the crown serves it hold it together. A tooth holding a large filling may benefit from having a crown “installed” as it will help support the remaining tooth and hold in the large filling, lessening any potential gaps. Crowns can also help cover a tooth in the case of one or several being severely misshapen or discolored. Then of course, to cover the dental implant, which is needed when a tooth is extracted.

How long do crowns last?

Dental crowns can last for many years, but proper dental hygiene is essential even though the tooth is “covered.” Avoid bad habits like smoking, biting your fingernails and not flossing, and the crown will likely last longer.

Contact the Kansas City, MO office of Dr. Anderson for an appointment if any of your teeth are bothering you or you just need a regular checkup.