Dental Crowns
Clackamas OR
At first glance, your teeth might not seem like very much. However, they serve some essential functions. In addition to enabling you to bite and chew a wide variety of food, they are also important for speech and a beautiful smile. They also play an integral role in the health of your jawbone. While the teeth are incredibly strong, they can still be faced with physical damage and decay that not only compromises your smile but the health of your mouth and the functioning of your teeth. At Sunnyside Dentistry, we can restore damaged teeth with dental crowns.
What is a Crown?Tooth damage is a serious issue that needs to be addressed right away, even if the damage does not seem all that serious. While minor damage might only require a cosmetic procedure, more severe damage can compromise the integrity of the affected teeth as well as the health of your mouth. Damaged teeth can be faced with further harm and painful infections.
A crown is a common dental restoration for damaged teeth. It is cap-like restoration that is designed to cover over the affected tooth, covering over the entire visible surface area. Once in place, the crown provides the tooth with protection, preventing against further harm and infection while restoring strength and enabling your tooth to function normally.
Crown MaterialsCrowns can be made from one of several different types of materials. Common types of crowns include: | • |
Metal. Metal crowns are the strongest crowns available. Made entirely from metal, these crowns are practically indestructible. However, they are silver or gold in color, making them very visible when you smile.
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Porcelain fused to metal. PFM crowns consist of a metal base and porcelain coating. The metal surrounds your tooth, providing it with similar protection to all-metal crowns. The porcelain coating provides a more aesthetic solution. Despite the porcelain providing a more natural appearance, the metal can often be seen through it.
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Ceramic. Ceramic crowns are the most aesthetic option. While not as strong as metal, ceramic is still fairly strong and can withstand daily use. Ceramic can be stained to perfectly blend in with the rest of your natural teeth, and it reflects light just like natural enamel. |
Placing Your CrownIt typically takes two appointments to place a crown. During the first appointment, the damaged tooth is prepared. This process, done under a local anesthetic, involves removing a portion of the tooth enamel to reduce the tooth in size. This ensures that your crown will fit properly and comfortably. Next, an impression of your mouth is taken and sent to our dental lab. The lab uses your impression to design and fabricate your crown. At your second appointment, your crown is checked for fit and bite, and to make sure that it blends in with the rest of your surrounding teeth. If everything looks good, the crown is cemented into place.
The Benefits of a CrownA crown provides multiple benefits. These benefits include: | • |
Holding a damaged tooth together to prevent further harm.
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Protection against infections.
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Restoring strength and enabling the tooth to function normally.
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Preventing the need for a tooth extraction.
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Protecting a tooth following root canal therapy.
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Anchoring a bridge into place or replacing a tooth using a dental implant. |
Crowns aid in restoring the health of damaged teeth as well as their functioning. They can also help to restore the appearance of your smile. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Sunnyside Dentistry today at (503) 451-5104.
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