Maintaining oral health is a common goal for everyone. We diligently brush and floss our teeth, arrange regular check-ups and professional cleanings, and take various measures to preserve a lovely smile. However, there are instances when preventive dental care alone cannot prevent tooth decay. This is where Dr. Donnelly’s dental restorations come in to repair damaged teeth. For minor damage or decay, a dental filling is usually sufficient. However, for more significant issues, a dental crown may be recommended.
When it comes to dental crowns, our team at 24th Street Dental Biltmore, acknowledges the desire of numerous patients for an appealing choice, particularly if the tooth is situated within the noticeable smile line. Our dental crowns are meticulously crafted from top-quality materials, predominantly porcelain. Porcelain exhibits both aesthetic charm and excellent durability.
Reasons for a Dental Crown
A dental crown serves both practical and cosmetic purposes. It is often recommended when a tooth is damaged and needs to be strengthened. Damage can occur due to injury, trauma, or decay. If you have a tooth that is chipped, cracked, discolored, or shaped irregularly, you may require a dental crown. Crowns are a great solution to prevent additional damage to a tooth and avoid extraction.
The crown serves as a permanent cap that we attach to the enamel using cement. Alternatively, we can also place a crown on an implant post instead of a missing tooth.
Crown Procedure
In the traditional crown procedure, there are typically two appointments involved. The first appointment focuses on examining and preparing the tooth. During this initial visit, Dr. Donnelly, at 24th Street Dental Biltmore, will conduct a thorough examination, which may include various diagnostic tools such as x-rays, photographs, and 3D CBCT scans.
Once we have a comprehensive understanding of the tooth and the surrounding tissues, we will administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. In cases where there is extensive decay, a root canal may be necessary. If not, we will proceed to file down the tooth to create enough space for the crown. The tooth will undergo complete reshaping as part of the preparation process.
Once the tooth has been reshaped, an impression of the area will be taken. This can be done using a putty-like material or digitally. The impression will then be sent to our dental laboratory, where our skilled lab technicians will use it to create your final crown. This process can take a few weeks to complete. In the meantime, Dr. Donnelly may recommend a temporary restoration to safeguard the tooth.
After your final restoration is complete, we can arrange your second appointment. During this visit, we will remove the temporary crown and evaluate the margins of your final crown. There may be a need for minor adjustments to ensure a precise fit and prevent any potential issues. Once we are satisfied with the fit, the final crown will be permanently cemented onto your reshaped tooth.
Benefits of Ceramic Crowns
At 24th Street Dental Biltmore, our area of expertise lies in ceramic crowns due to the multitude of advantages they offer.
- Aesthetics play a key role in ceramic crowns as they are designed to replicate the texture, color, and light-reflective characteristics of real teeth. This guarantees that they seamlessly match the appearance of the surrounding teeth in your smile.
- With recent technological advancements, the durability of ceramic material has significantly improved, regardless of whether you opt for the CEREC system. With proper care, a crown can now potentially last for a lifetime.
- Ceramic is a material that is biocompatible and is highly tolerated by gum tissue. This makes it a better alternative compared to silver amalgam and gold, which can cause adverse reactions. Ceramic also eliminates the risk of allergic reactions and reduces sensitivity issues while eating or drinking.
To find out more about dental crowns and our other services, simply click here or give us a call at (602) 468-1135. Our team at 24th Street Dental Biltmore will be delighted to arrange an appointment with one of the leading dentist in Phoenix.
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Making your initial appointment with 24th Street Dental Biltmore in Phoenix is your first step towards a healthier smile.