Crowns
A crown, also called a cap, is a hollow, artificial tooth used to cover a damaged or decayed tooth.
A dental crown, or “cap,” is used to cover a damaged tooth to restore its proper form and function. This can become necessary after significant decay, presence of a large filling or just normal wear and tear causing loss or weakening of tooth structure. If a root canal is performed to save a tooth, a dental crown is often used to protect the tooth’s structure and restore its strength. Dental crowns at our practice are custom-made to create the most comfortable fit and natural-looking appearance. Our dentists utilize durable materials to ensure the artificial crown lasts for several years. Whether you need to repair a single tooth or several teeth, crowns are an extremely common restoration that can provide life-like results. They are also used in many dental implant procedures to help fill the gap left by a missing tooth.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THE CROWN AND BRIDGE PROCEDURES?
Clinical findings and your desires will be considered in all of our planning. Models, digital x-rays, and other records help guide your personalized treatment. When many teeth are being treated, we will usually first design your new teeth with carved waxed on a stone model, thus acting as a precise blueprint throughout treatment. These models even provide a highly individualized pattern for your temporary teeth, used while your permanent crowns or bridges are being created.
At your treatment appointment, gently numbed teeth undergo specific shaping, to ready the tooth for the crown, and impressions of the prepared teeth are captured. Along with photographs and records of your bite, these essential pieces are sent to a specialty dental lab to create your crowns or bridges. Hours of intense, detailed craftsmanship move your new crowns and bridges through the steps needed to bring them to life. In the meantime, acrylic temporaries, replicating the final crowns, are temporarily cemented in your mouth for 3-4 weeks while the definitive crowns are fabricated.
When you return to Core Dental after the temporary stage, the final crowns or bridges will be tried in, evaluated, and adjusted as needed to ensure a perfect fit. Once they’re bonded into place, a final polish brings your restored smile to life. While many teeth can often be completed at once in this fashion, some cases may involve repeating the steps in a separate area of your mouth. Additionally, crowning your front teeth may require an additional “try-in” appointment to ensure the esthetics are ideal, prior to the final cementation appointment.
Implant-supported cases involve modifications to these steps but crafting customized crowns and bridges in either scenario leads to the same outcome. Restoring your mouth with the best materials, guided by an expert clinician, in a comfortable environment brings the best of dentistry to you in the Vancouver area.
HOW LONG DO DENTAL CROWNS AND BRIDGES LAST?
Dental crowns and bridges can last several years when cared for properly. In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, the longevity of your crowns will be influenced by the materials used and your personal habits including clenching/grinding of your teeth. On average, crowns and bridges can last about 15 years before they need to be replaced.