The Process for Getting a Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It’s cemented into place over the visible portion of the tooth so that it fully encases the visible part above the gum line. The crown is customized to match the color of your natural teeth, so it looks natural.

At Worden Dentistry, a dental crown may be needed if your tooth has been damaged by decay or trauma. Teeth that are cracked, chipped, broken, worn down, or have large fillings may need a crown to restore them. Crowns are also placed after root canal therapy to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure.

The Types of Crowns

Metal Crowns

These are the most common dental crowns in Tyler, TX, made from gold alloy, platinum, or other metals. They are durable and robust but can cause discoloration of the surrounding teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns

These crowns are made from metal with a porcelain coating. They combine a metal crown's strength with a porcelain crown's natural appearance.

All-Porcelain Crowns

These crowns are made entirely of porcelain and are a good choice for front teeth because they look like natural teeth.

All-Ceramic Crowns

These are made from ceramic material only. They are typically used on front teeth because they look the most natural. However, they are more brittle than other types of crowns and may chip more easily.

The Procedure for Dental Crowns

Tooth Preparation

This process typically involves removing a portion of the tooth's outer layer to allow the crown to fit snugly over it. Local anesthesia ensures you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

Impressions and Temporary Crown

After tooth preparation, an impression of the tooth is taken. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians will custom-create your crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready.

Crown Placement

Once the permanent crown is ready, you'll return to the dentist for its placement. The temporary crown is removed, and the fit and appearance of the permanent crown are checked. Adjustments may be made as needed. The permanent crown is bonded using dental cement once the dentist and patient are satisfied with the fit and aesthetics.

Final Polishing and Care Instructions

The final step involves polishing the crown to achieve a natural appearance and a smooth surface. Our dentist in Tyler, TX, will provide care instructions to maintain the longevity of your dental crown. This typically includes proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups.

Dental crowns are fundamental to restorative dentistry, offering a reliable solution to preserve and enhance damaged teeth. If you have damaged or weakened teeth, visit Worden Dentistry at 2336 Aberdeen Dr, Tyler, TX 75703, or call (903) 581-1646 to explore how dental crowns can enhance your smile and oral well-being.