When your teeth are damaged or missing, restorative treatment can help improve your bite and fix your smile. Dental crowns in Burlington, NC, are common restorative treatment options recommended for various dental concerns. They can help fix fractures and cracks and are often the restoration of choice after a dental implant. But what exactly is a dental crown? And how can it help your mouth?
Dental Crowns in Burlington, NC: Everything You Need to Know
The Treatment
Dental crowns help treat a variety of issues. A dental crown can restore almost everything from discoloration to a cracked tooth. The most common reasons behind a dental crown are:
- Fracture of the tooth
- Recent dental implant
- Recent root canal
Crowns can fit over any of the teeth in your mouth to provide a strong and stable surface for biting. However, for anterior teeth, your dentist may recommend cosmetic restoration work in the form of veneers or bridges to provide better control over the appearance.
The Material
Dentists can use a variety of materials for dental crowns, but most use porcelain or composite resin. These materials are highly durable and allow your dentist to match the color to the rest of your teeth. The material is shaped in a dental lab, creating a tooth-shaped cap that will fit over your existing tooth.
The Process
Getting a dental crown is a multi-appointment process. First, you’ll need to consult with your dentist and have an exam of the area. Only after examining the affected tooth will your dentist be able to recommend a dental crown and create a treatment plan for you.
Next, your dentist will need to prepare the area. If you have an implant, this process is often quicker and easier, as there’s no host tooth to worry about. However, if you have a damaged tooth, your dentist will need to ensure it’s clean and healthy for the dental crown. This often includes removing part of the tooth to create a proper working surface.
At this time, your dentist will create a temporary crown out of composite material. The temporary crown helps prevent further damage and can help you get used to the feeling of a dental crown before your dentist applies the permanent. Your dentist will then send an impression of your mouth and a color-match guide to a dental lab where technicians make your crown.
Your last appointment will see your dentist removing the temporary crown and attaching the permanent crown.
Are You in Need of Dental Crowns?
At Fuller Dental, everyone should have a strong and healthy bite. If missing teeth, fractures, or cracks threaten your mouth, we can help. Our restorative treatment using dental crowns in Burlington, NC, can help strengthen your teeth and improve your smile. Call us today at (336) 290-7401 to schedule a consultation with our restorative dentists and see if dental crowns are the right fit for your mouth.