Crowns
The Problem:
- Badly decayed teeth
- Fractured teeth
- Need to protect and strengthen teeth
The Solution:
A crown (sometimes called a cap) covers the damaged tooth and restores it to its original size and shape. After completion, the crown can be bonded or cemented onto the tooth to restore function.
Traditionally, the tooth is prepared by removing decay and then an accurate mold is made of the prepared surfaces. This mold can be sent to a dental laboratory where a porcelain or gold crown is created. A temporary crown is used to protect the tooth during the lab phase.
Today, most crowns can be fabricated in the office using state-of-the-art computer-assisted imaging and milling techniques (also known as Cerec or CAD/CAM). This technique saves time by allowing same-day completion of crowns and avoids having to use plastic temporary crowns.
Advantages:
Crowns are incredibly strong. This protects and strengthens the remaining tooth structure. In the hands of a skilled dentist, a crown will fit almost perfectly onto the prepared surface of the tooth, reducing the size of the seam between the crown and the tooth. This helps keep decay from eventually occurring under the crown.
Crowns should be placed before the tooth is so decayed that it may fracture. This can often help prevent the expense of root canal therapy in the future. It can also prevent the possibility that a fractured tooth may need to be removed, requiring the expense of a bridge or implant to replace the missing tooth.
Disadvantages:
Crowns are excellent restorations and have few disadvantages. They are highly durable, but they may eventually need to be re-cemented or replaced due to normal wear.
Occasionally, a tooth may still need root canal therapy after being crowned. However, this indicates that the interior of the tooth was already sick (infected) and would have eventually needed root canal therapy anyway.
Alternatives:
In the event that a tooth is so decayed or fractured that it needs to be removed, the best alternatives to a crown are bridges and implants that replace the missing tooth.
dental information
DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY
Our use of digital x-ray technology reduces radiation exposure up to 90% and eliminates the use of chemicals. It's better for you. It's better for the environment.
CEREC RESTORATIONS
This technology allows Drs. Olfson and Dwyer to capture a 3D image of the prepared tooth and immediately create tooth-colored, porcelain restorations.