Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns
at Vita Dental Wellness
At some point, you may need to restore a weak or damaged tooth. A dental crown is one option you can consider in this case.
At Vita Dental Wellness in Chilliwack, BC, our dentists provide crowns to strengthen and improve the appearance of your teeth. They, with the rest of our dental team, make sure that the process is as comfortable as possible for you.
Get in touch with us to learn more about dental restoration options.
What Is a Crown?
For teeth that are structurally compromised, dental crowns are the best option for their long term health. Teeth that have very large fillings which are broken down or have cavities, as well as teeth that have been root canalled, are the most common reasons for which a crown is recommended.
What Is a Crown?
A dental crown is a customized dental restoration that encases or covers the entire tooth structure. It is a hollow, tooth-shaped cap attached to the remaining natural tooth. A crown becomes the visible part of the tooth once it's attached.
What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?
A dental crown usually requires two dental visits. These are the steps typically involved in the procedure:
- Your dentist takes an impression of the tooth and its surrounding bone and gum tissue. They may take X-rays to examine the site. The mold is then sent to the laboratory, where the final crown will be fabricated.
- The tooth is prepared by removing a portion of it to make space for the dental crown. The amount of teeth to be filed depends on the type of crown that will be used. The thinner the material, the smaller the amount that needs to be taken out.
- You'll be given a temporary crown to protect the area while you wait for your final restoration.
- On your second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is attached. Your dentist checks the fit and appearance and makes adjustments as necessary. If everything is okay, they use a local anesthetic to freeze the area and place the permanent crown.
Your dentist provides aftercare instructions to ensure your comfort and a smooth recovery. Like any dental work, a crown also requires good oral hygiene habits to keep it in great shape.
A crown can last for many years and doesn't need the use of special tools. Cleaning it is the same as cleaning your natural teeth.
What Are the Different Types of Crowns?
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain. Ceramic and porcelain can be color-matched to the teeth. This material may be ideal for those with metal allergies or those looking to get their front teeth fixed. However, it's not as strong as other options, such as metals.
- Porcelain fused to metal. This dental crown material can also be matched to the natural tooth color and can be used for either the front or back teeth. Its metal parts offer needed strength. Though, its downside is that the porcelain portion may chip or break off and the metal part may appear as a dark line.
- Metals. Metal crowns can be made from gold, nickel, or platinum. They offer strong biting and chewing forces. They also resist chipping and breaking and can last a long time. The only drawback of this material is its visible appearance. It can be an ideal option for areas that aren't visible, such as the back molars.
Choosing a Dental Crown Material
You and your dentist consider several factors in selecting a crown material. This includes the following:
- Location of the damaged tooth
- How much of the natural tooth remains
- Visible tooth structure
- Tooth function
- Material durability
- Cost of materials
- Appearance of the material
- Your way of life and personal preferences
Who Needs a Dental Crown?
You may need a dental crown to:
- Restore a damaged tooth's form and function
- Protect and strengthen a weakened tooth
- Improve the appearance of a tooth
- Cover a root canal to prevent potential breakage
- Secure dental bridges
- Provide support to a broken dental filling
- Save a tooth if a filling isn't enough to restore it
Dental Crown Services
in Chilliwack, British Columbia
Placing a crown is simple. It's a routine dental procedure, but it's vital that you go to a registered provider. Your dentist will evaluate the damaged tooth and your mouth to ensure there are no issues. They'll also verify if a crown is an appropriate solution for your situation.
To learn more about dental crowns or if you're interested in any dental restoration in Chilliwack, BC, connect with us today at (604) 858-5152. We're happy to answer your questions and help you book an appointment with one of our dentists.