Crowning Moment

Home , Crown (dentistry), Dental restoration

I Fact Sheet Crowns and Post and Core Build-ups I Crowning Moment Dental restorations restore Crowns can cover discolored the function, integrity, and or misshapen teeth for more morphology of missing tooth aesthetically pleasing smiles. structure, which can be caused by caries or external trauma, What is a post and core such as chipping or cracking a build-up? tooth. Fabrication of a crown The dentist may use a filling (a type of dental restoration) material to restore a more ideal usually requires two dental shape for supporting a crown visits. The first visit involves an (core build-up) when a tooth is examination of the tooth to severely decayed or fractured determine how it should be and lacks sufficient tooth restored and preparation of structure. In some cases, a the tooth for the restoration; dentist will first perform a root this visit may include a core canal, a procedure in which build-up (sometimes requir- pulp is cleared out of the tooth ing a post), fabrication of a and the canal is sealed with a temporary crown, and making special material. After the root an impression to be sent to canal, the dentist may place the laboratory. The second visit a post in the open canal and usually involves delivery of the secure it with dental filling to final restoration, which has “build up” the structure of the been fabricated in the labora- tooth. Once the material has tory. In some offices that have hardened, the tooth can be access to specialized equip- prepared for a crown. ment, the dentist may be able How should I care for prevent both dental decay and to perform the entire crown Will a crown look my teeth after I receive gum disease. procedure in the same day. natural? a crown? It can, depending on the To prevent damaging or What do I do if I’m a still What is a crown? type of crown you elect to fracturing the crown, avoid confused about these A crown is a restoration that have made. A crown can be chewing extremely hard foods procedures? covers (or “caps”) a tooth fabricated from porcelain, and ice. You also should If you are still unclear about to restore it to its normal from gold, or from a combina- avoid grinding or clenching the process of placing a crown shape and size, which can tion of porcelain and metal. your teeth. In addition to or a post and core build-up, strengthen and improve the A crown can look just like a brushing twice a day and speak to your dentist. Your appearance of the tooth. natural tooth when it is made visiting your dentist regularly, dentist can walk you through Crowns are necessary when with porcelain coverage. cleaning between your teeth the steps of the procedures a tooth has been damaged Numerous factors are consid- is essential if you have crowns. and address any questions or significantly and cannot be ered when determining the Use floss or interdental concerns you may have. It is adequately restored with a crown material that is best cleaners (specially shaped important to have these types filling. A crown can protect a for your particular tooth, brushes and sticks) to remove of conversations with your weak tooth from fracturing; including the color, bite, plaque from the crown area dentist so that your journey it also can prevent a cracked shape, space, and location where the gum meets the to an improved smile doesn’t tooth from further damage. of the tooth in your mouth. tooth. This process helps to start—or end—with a frown.

www.KnowYourTeeth.com Brought to you by the AGD, this Web site answers important dental health questions, offers the latest information on current treatments, provides tips for first-rate oral hygiene, and can help visitors find highly qualified general dentists near where they live.