Dental crowns are one of the most misunderstood dental procedures despite their popularity with dentists. There are a variety of reasons why a dentist may suggest a crown, such as treating a damaged tooth as well as for cosmetic reasons or as part of a more complex dental procedure such as a bridge.
Regardless of the reason for the tooth crown, the process is nearly identical from dentist to dentist and from practice to practice.
The first appointment with Dr. Wendy Willought DDS may consist of X-rays and an oral exam that will determine the condition, placement, and depth of tooth roots as well as surrounding bone. Once these determinations are made, she will numb the tooth and surrounding area. The tooth will be filed down or alternately depending on how much tooth is exciting due to damage or decay there may be a filing applied to create more tooth to support a crown.
An impression or mold of the tooth is made, can be done with either a putty-like mold or with digital imaging. The mold is the basis of the crown which will be custom made and also aids Dr. Willoughby in being able to ensure that a tooth will not adversely affect the bite.
During this initial visit, a temporary crown is often fitted. A temporary crown is not custom fitted to the patient and will not be as durable. For this reason, it is suggested that the patient avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the temporary crown is located and refrain from sticky, chewy foods.
For the purposes of assisting patients in deciding if a crown is right for them, they should consider carefully the following benefits and potential side effects of permanent crowns.
Benefits of Permanent Dental Crowns:
- Restores damaged or decayed teeth
- Creates more aesthetically pleasing teeth and smile in many cases
- Protects teeth from further damage
Potential Drawbacks of Permanent Dental Crowns:
The work necessary to place a crown make it impossible to explore other options such as fillings, or veneers. Patient and dentist should both ensure a crown is the best option.
Loose or lost crowns can happen with wear and age. Although these are easily fixed and tooth cement can be found in many drug stores to reposition the crown until a dentist can provide a permanent fix, it is something to consider.
Allergies to the materials the crown is made of. While this is a rare occurrence it can happen. Contact us today at Chestnut Family Dentistry and schedule your consultation with Dr. Willoughby to talk about what type of crown they are planning to place and its material. We proudly serve you from Asheville, North Carolina.
