If your tooth is damaged by decay, accident, or infection, is your only choice extraction? The answer depends on a complete exam by your dentists at Roselle Dental Center in Roselle, IL. They may place a realistic porcelain crown over the compromised tooth, strengthening it and giving it longevity.
What a crown can do for you
A dental crown is a porcelain cap-shaped restoration that looks just like your natural tooth. It covers the remaining viable portions of the tooth right to the gum line. Dental crowns also restore teeth after root canal therapy, attach bridgework to adjoining natural teeth, and complete dental implants. Crowning a tooth helps you avoid many of the following problems associated with tooth extraction:
- Poor smile aesthetics and premature facial sagging
- Shifting teeth near the smile gap
- Bone and gum tissue loss
- Loss of normal oral function (biting, chewing, speaking)
- The crown treatment
If your dentist determines a crown is a good option for your circumstances, you'll make two visits to our Roselle, IL, office. Your dentist carefully removes the damaged portions of your tooth, including old fillings, and then shapes the tooth so it accepts the crown. Then, they will take oral impressions of your tooth and the surrounding dentition (both hard and soft tissues).
You'll wear a transitional, or temporary, crown until your next visit. In the meantime, a trusted dental lab will fabricate your crown according to your dentist's specifications. We use only premier quality porcelain, so count on a restoration that is durable, plaque-resistant, and well-matched in shape, size, and color to your unique smile.
During your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary restoration and bond the new one in place. Bonding assures a secure, long-lasting fit.
Crown care
Most crowns last a decade or more, but you must maintain your restored tooth. Be sure to brush two times a day for a full two minutes, and floss around your crown margins once a day. Crowns cannot get cavities, but bacteria may invade under the cap or infect surrounding gum tissue if you're not careful.
Also, avoid teeth clenching and grinding with a bite guard, and never bite down on non-food items such as plastic packaging or your pencil top. These actions could damage or even displace your crown. Finally, see us for a professional check-up and cleaning semi-annually. We'll check the condition of your crown to ensure it's in good shape.
Give your tooth new life
A porcelain crown from Roselle Dental Center in Roselle, IL, could be just what you need. Phone us for a complete evaluation by our experienced team of dentists at (630) 893-4200.