Sometimes known as a cap, crowns are carefully fitted sleeves that sit over an existing tooth to protect it from further damage, and to improve your overall smile. Crowns can hold cracked teeth together and support bridges, and they are often applied as the final step in root canal treatment.
Crowns are an ideal way to repair teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for example:
You can treat your crown like a normal tooth. While it does not require any particular care, remember that it acts as a sleeve over the top of your natural tooth and so decay and gum disease can still occur without a good oral health routine. Keep up regular visits to your local dental practice and remember to continue to floss around the tooth. When flossing, try to pull the floss through your teeth rather than upwards – sometimes pulling up and out can catch on your crown and contribute to wear and tear.
If you think that you require crowns, or would like further information on the procedure, contact Higgins & Winter Dental.
The application of crowns is one of the longest-standing dental procedures. We can date their use back to the 5th century and the ancient Etruscans, who used gold and silver to ‘cap’ problem teeth. Dental techniques have developed since then, and in today’s practices crowns can be made from a variety of materials:
Preparation time will vary depending on the condition of the damaged tooth. Your tooth will be carefully reshaped, to ensure that it can carry the crown. In most cases we will take a digital scan of the tooth. This is not only exceptionally accurate, but will also avoid the need for impressions to be taken, mitigating any discomfort. The scan is then received in our state-of-the-art digital laboratory where our team of technician’s use sophisticated computers to design your custom crown. These computers will then craft, mill and colour the crown to match the adjacent teeth. Treatment is usually provided over 2 visits. After the tooth is prepared and the digital scan is taken at the first appointment, a temporary crown is worn to protect the tooth for around 2 weeks while the crown is made.
If you want start your dental journey with Higgins & Winter Dental, please get in touch.
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