Crowns

Andrea Patterson, DDS

A dental crown is a way of protecting and restoring a decayed or broken tooth. If a tooth has decayed to the point that it will not support a filling or an inlay, a crown can be placed over the tooth or dental implant to repair the tooth. A crown cups over the part of the tooth that lies at and above the gum line, becoming the new outer surface of the tooth. It restores the function and look of the problem tooth. It’s also called a tooth or dental cap.

Dental crowns can be used to protect a weak, decayed or cracked tooth. In addition to helping with supporting teeth, crowns can also help a tooth’s appearance. Crowns improve the look of a tooth by covering teeth that have large fillings, are misshapen, or are discolored. They also can be used to hold a dental bridge in place. Dental crowns can be made from metals, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic materials.

Metal crowns are strong and long-lasting, but have a metallic color that is unappealing to some patients. Porcelain-fused-to-metal matches the color of your teeth. However, the porcelain part can break off exposing the metal color. Resin is less expensive, but wears down more quickly. All ceramic and porcelain crowns match your natural color, but they are not as strong as the crowns that include metals.

Dental crowns require two dentist visits. During your first dental visit, Andrea Patterson, DDS will examine and clean the tooth. X-rays may be taken to check the roots and bone surrounding the tooth is strong enough to support the new crown. Next your tooth and gums will be numbed to file down the chewing surface of the tooth, to prepare for the crown. Then impression putty is used to make an impression of the tooth that will be crowned. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown is made. Andrea Patterson, DDS will fill the tooth with a temporary crown to protect the tooth until your next dentist visit.

During your second dental visit, the temporary crown will be removed. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area and the new crown will be cemented into place. These crowns usually last between five and fifteen years depending on the material making up the crown. Also patient diligence can affect the lifespan of the crown. You can extend the life of your crown (and all your teeth) by taking good care of your teeth and scheduling regular checkups with Andrea Patterson, DDS. Call (505) 369-0074 to schedule your appointment today.

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