If one or more of the teeth in your smile has been damaged by chips or small fractures, you may be interested in having it cosmetically restored. For some people dental veneers can improve imperfections in your smile. However, if one or more teeth have extensive damage in the enamel or past dental work your dentist might recommend having the tooth restored with a crown.
A crown is made from artificial materials such as gold, base metals and porcelain. Your dentist almost always recommends a porcelain-ceramic material for a crown that restores a tooth in your smile.
The process for having a tooth restored by a crown requires two separate procedures. First you will need to visit an oral surgeon or periodontist to assess the health of the tooth and make sure there is no decay or other issues with the dentin or root of the tooth.
To mount the crown require the creation of an abutment. To do this, they remove the majority of the tooth enamel creating a small post of enamel around the pulp and root of the tooth. Then take an impression will be made of the area. This is sent to a dental lab where your permanent crown is made. They will then cement a temporary crown over the abutment to protect it.
When the permanent crown is ready, our dentists will call you in for a brief second appointment. They will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown in place.
If you have a tooth with severely damaged enamel or concerns that you might need a crown, please feel free to call our team at Ferguson and Associates DDS to schedule an appointment. We can be reached at today at 704-786-8317!