Understanding Dental Crowns in Brentwood

Although the main focus of dentistry is preventing the need for restorations, there are times when repair is necessary. When a tooth has been extensively damaged by injury or decay, a dental crown may be the most viable treatment option. It’s important to learn everything you can to come to an informed decision about receiving this treatment from your dentist.

A dental crown is a type of prosthetic placed over a damaged tooth. This natural looking “cap” covers the portion of the tooth above the gum line, restoring function, strength, and appearance to the smile. A crown may also be used with a bridge or implant, or following root canal therapy.

Placing a crown is quite simple. Once Dr. Alkhoury has determined that a crown is needed to repair a damaged tooth, the area is numbed with local anesthetic, and all decay or damage is removed. The same process is followed in root canal therapy, as it is necessary to remove all decay from a tooth before capping it, even when the root is removed. Once the tooth has been prepped, an impression is taken and sent to the lab, where a permanent crown is precisely fabricated. While you wait for your permanent crown, you wear a temporary crown cemented into place. The entire process is typically just two visits completed in a few weeks.

In the instance where a crown is used with a bridge, the restoration replaces a missing tooth. A dental bridge consists of two crowns, placed over the teeth adjacent to the space. In between the two crowns an artificial tooth is affixed to fill the gap.

Permanent dental crowns may be fabricated from a number of materials. Gold is typically the most recommended, as it is easily accepted by gum tissue and is highly durable. A gold crown will likely never need to be replaced. Other materials used for permanent crowns include metals, and more aesthetic porcelain fused to metal, resin, and ceramic for teeth that show. Your dentist can help you decide which type of crown is best suited to your situation.

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