Restoring teeth using dental crowns in Burton on Trent

Porcelain crowns used to strengthen a damaged tooth

If you have a tooth that is considered to be too badly damaged or decayed for repair using a standard amalgam type dental filling, then your dentist can sometimes use a dental crown to help to restore, and to strengthen it.

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, though if they are replacing a front tooth, for cosmetic reasons they will generally be constructed from either porcelain or ceramic. To help to preserve your mouth’s natural appearance, the crown is designed and made to look as much as possible just like a natural tooth.

A porcelain crown can also be used to provide additional support for the repaired tooth after undergoing a root canal procedure, where much of the original tooth is removed. It is also used in the final stages of a dental implant operation, with the crown attached securely to the metal implants. If necessary then a porcelain or ceramic crown can be further strengthened by the addition of a metal base.

Procedure to fit a dental crown.

After the decision has been made to use a dental crown during a repair procedure, the dentist will begin the process of preparing the tooth. During the preparation, the dentist will remove all areas of decay which will prevent the tooth from decaying further and will help to prevent infection starting that could affect the outcome of the procedure. If the crown is to replace a damaged tooth, then the dentist will remove all of the sharp edges, and will make sure that the remaining tooth is structurally sound.

To avoid any pain or discomfort during the preparation, it may be necessary to use a local anaesthetic, this is something that your dentist will discuss with you during your initial consultation.

Finally the tooth will be shaped so that it is ready to form a secure base for the new crown to be bonded to.

Next, an impression is taken of the tooth using a soft dental wax and we will also take x-rays of the tooth and mouth. The new crown will be made based on these, ensuring that the crown is a good fit, and to make sure that the crown maintains your mouth’s natural appearance.

It can take up to two weeks for the new crown to be made for you and during this period your dentist will fit a temporary crown. This will help protect the prepared tooth and maintain the cosmetic appearance of your mouth. When your new crown is ready, then the temporary crown will be removed, and the new crown will be securely bonded to your existing tooth. This will give you a strong and natural looking replacement, that should under normal use last many years.

If you are a dental patient in Burton on Trent and you have a broken or decayed tooth that is in need of repair, and would like more information on dental crowns, then please call Mike Allen’s dental practice on 01283 845345. One of our dental practitioners will be only too pleased to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.