Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also known as tooth caps, serve as protective coverings atop teeth to improve both aesthetic beauty as well as functionality and protection. The dental crown procedure typically requires two appointments. The dentist will analyze your teeth to determine if a crown is required. If the tooth is not damaged to the point that it cannot hold a crown, the tooth will be prepared. The tooth’s pulp will be cleaned with a root canal treatment prior to the placement of the crown. The dentist numbs the tooth as well as surrounding gum tissue to prep the tooth for the crown. The tooth’s structure will be filed on the sides as appropriate to accommodate the crown.

Our dentist, Lohring Miller DMD, will then take an impression of your bite. The dental impression is sent to the dental laboratory so your custom crown can be made. The lab will reference a shade guide to guarantee the crown blends in just right with the rest of your natural teeth. A temporary crown consisting of resin will be positioned over the tooth. This temporary crown safeguards the tooth. Once the permanent crown is ready, it will be positioned in place of the temporary crown.

If necessary, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to ensure the placement of the permanent crown does not cause pain. The tooth will be cleaned after the temporary crown is removed so it is in the best possible condition prior to the addition of the permanent crown. Once the crown is added, the compromised tooth will be well-protected and the crown will look similar to a natural tooth.