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Dr. Steven Lind, DMD
PH. 503-566-7000
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Dental Crowns Questions
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are protective covers or caps, made from porcelain or ceramic that fit over your existing tooth to mask defects such as cracks, chips or discoloration. Dr. Lind can create and fit crowns which are nearly indistinguishable from your existing teeth. Crowns, used in conjunction with other techniques like tooth whitening and tooth-colored fillings, can form the foundation of full smile makeovers.
What is a crown used for?
Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve a tooth's appearance, shape or alignment. Dr. Lind may recommend a crown to:
- Replace a large filling
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discolored tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
What is the procedure for placing a crown?
At first we may take a few X-rays to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and surrounding bone. If your tooth is very or if there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth's pulp, a root canal treatment may first be recommended.
Before we make your crown, we will numb your tooth and the gum tissue around it. Next, we will file down the tooth receiving the crown along the surface and sides to make room for the crown.
After reshaping the tooth, we will make an impression of the tooth to receive the crown. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth to receive the dental crown will also be made to make sure that the crown will not affect your bite.
The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be manufactured. If your crown is made of porcelain, we will, in consultation with you, select the shade that most closely matches the color of your natural teeth. A temporary crown will be applied to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being made.
Finally, once your permanent crown is ready, we will remove your temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent crown. If everything is acceptable, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth and your new crown will be permanently cemented in place.
What types of crowns are available?
Permanent crowns can be made from all metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal or all porcelain. At The Art of Smile Making, we will give you a comprehensive exam and consultation to determine what crown material is best for your needs.
How long will a crown last?
With good oral hygiene, your dental crown can last a very long time. This includes proper brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups.
If you are in need of a dental crown, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. We have been serving the dental needs of patients in the Portland, Oregon area for several years.
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