Whenever reasonable, your dentist will recommend treatment that will preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. While decay and damage can lead to tooth extraction, a dental crown in Yardley, PA, may be able to save your tooth. After examining your mouth, your dentist can determine if a dental crown is the right treatment for your bite.
What is a Dental Crown in Yardley, PA?
Dental crowns are caps for your teeth that help restore your tooth’s natural structure. They are commonly made of porcelain or zirconium. These strong ceramic materials are durable enough to withstand the biting pressure your teeth experience. They can also be color-matched to the shade of your teeth to maintain the appearance of your smile. Dental crowns fit over your existing teeth, preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
What to Expect at Your Dental Crown Appointment
For most patients, getting a dental crown is a two-appointment treatment plan.
Phase One
During your first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth for your crown. The preparation phase can include a few different things, depending on the reason your tooth needs a crown. But no matter the underlying reason, your dentist will clean your tooth and use a drill to remove part of your tooth. This process is crucial to ensure your crown has room in your mouth. It’s also necessary for removing cases of decay.
After your tooth is prepared, your dentist will then take an impression of your bite. This impression allows your dentist to create a crown that will fit over your tooth comfortably. Shaping the crown itself can take a few days, so your dentist will most likely put a temporary crown on your tooth to help protect it and provide bite support while you wait.
Phase Two
At your second appointment, your dentist will remove your temporary crown and apply your permanent. This appointment tends to take less time than your first, as all of the preparation work is already done. After placing your crown, your dentist will perform minor adjustments as needed to ensure it looks and feels comfortable in your mouth.
Dental Crowns for Implant Restorations
Although dental crowns are common treatments used to help protect and preserve teeth, they are also one of the most used treatments for implant restorations. If you lose a tooth, implants can help you maintain jaw structure and bone retention. Most implants will need some kind of restoration work, be it a crown, bridge, or implant-secured denture. Many dentists recommend dental crowns for single implants.
Dr. Jennifer Kalochie is dedicated to helping her patients preserve as much of their natural teeth as possible. If you have damage or decay, a dental crown may be able to protect your tooth before extraction is required. Call our office today at 267.592.3552 to schedule an appointment and see if a dental crown could help your bite.