What is a crown?
A crown is an artificial tooth cap that’s permanently sealed on top of an existing root structure, like a dental implant or a natural tooth root.
Once in place, a crown feels and functions just like a natural tooth. Depending on the material your dentist uses for your crown, it can also look just like a natural tooth, too, blending in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials depending on your needs and aesthetic desires. Possible materials used for crowns include:
- Metal
- Porcelain
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Gold
Metal crowns are extremely durable and often are a good choice for the back molars, whereas porcelain and porcelain fused to metal look more natural and complement your other teeth when you smile.
What is a crown used for?
Your dentist at Horizon Dental might recommend a crown for a variety of reasons, including to:
- Restore a tooth that’s suffered significant damage or decay
- Replace a tooth that’s discolored, misshapen, or otherwise unsightly
- Protect a damaged tooth from further harm
Crowns are also frequently used to restore your tooth’s strength and structure after a root canal. And when combined with a dental implant, a crown can replace a missing tooth.
What is the process of getting a crown?
When you come to Horizon Dental for your crown, your dentist first uses a local anesthetic to numb the tooth that’s going to receive the crown. Next, the dental team prepares the tooth and makes room for the crown by shaving off some of your tooth’s enamel.
Once your tooth is prepared, an impression of your mouth is taken. Your dentist sends your impression off to a lab to fabricate your crown. Meanwhile, you have to wear a temporary crown until your permanent restoration is ready. Once ready, you go back to Horizon Dental to have your permanent crown placed. Your dentist checks that it properly fits your bite, and seals it in place with dental cement.
To learn more about how Horizon Dental can improve your smile with a crown, call the office or book a visit online today.
