PORCELAIN CROWNS (CAPS)
Advances in the strength and appearance of porcelain crowns (caps) has made them the leading choice in restoring damaged teeth. A porcelain crown strengthens your tooth by providing 360 degrees of coverage, restoring your tooth to its original shape and size.
Porcelain crowns (caps) are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break, or is too damaged to be corrected with a traditional filling. A tooth that has been damaged by decay, fracture, grinding (bruxism) or root canal treatment is at risk of breaking from the stress of daily use and would benefit from a crown. Porcelain crowns are highly durable, designed to last for many years and are meticulously shaped and color matched to resemble your natural teeth.
Once your crown is in place you will notice it improves your dental health by:
- relieving pain from damage or fractures
- improving tooth aesthetics
- strengthening a heavily restored tooth to prevent further fracture
- restoring loss of tooth structure from grinding
WHAT TO EXPECT
Two Appointments
FIRST APPOINTMENT- Tooth preparation and impressions- 1 1/2- 2 hours
At your first crown appointment Dr Davis will administer full local anesthesia for the tooth being treated. He will then prepare the tooth, removing any decay and creating room for your new porcelain crown. Once Dr Davis is satisfied with the shape and contour of the treated tooth he will take a number of impressions to send off to the dental laboratory. These impressions allow the lab ceramist to create a crown that will look and feel like your natural tooth.
Dr Davis will then create a temporary crown, which is polished and cemented. The purpose of the temporary crown is to protect you from sensitivity and keep your gums from rolling over the prepared margins of your tooth. Dr Davis will check your bite to ensure that you are biting correctly.
During the next two weeks you’re advised to avoid sticky food near the treated tooth, so the temporary crown stays in place. If it does dislodge try to replace it quickly and give our office a call.
SECOND APPOINTMENT- Crown Delivery- 45-60 mins
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be placed and examined to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate. An adhesive is then applied to the tooth and a cement will be applied onto the interior of the crown. Any excess cement will be removed. You will be provided with the necessary instructions to take proper care of your new crown before you leave.