TMI - The Monday Inquiry

Crown Lengthening

A crown covers and protects.

A crown is an excellent way to cover and protect a tooth that has fractured or been damaged by decay or injury. Sometimes, however, the damage is so extensive that there simply is not enough tooth structure to support a crown. In these cases, we can often use a minor surgical procedure called crown lengthening.

This procedure increases the amount of available tooth structure so that the tooth can support a crown, which is the best choice for covering and protecting the tooth.

The procedure

The first step in crown lengthening is to thoroughly numb the entire area.

Incisions are made in the gums around the tooth, and then the gums are gently pulled back. Next, the bone and gum tissue are reshaped to reveal just enough of the natural tooth to create a secure anchor for a crown. The gums are replaced, and a couple of stitches are placed to speed healing. In some cases, we may also build up the tooth using a post and buildup material.

After a few weeks of healing, a crown in placed to cover and protect the damaged tooth. The crown restores your damaged tooth to normal health, appearance, and chewing function. Crown lengthening is a predictable and effective way to save a tooth that might otherwise be lost.

Crowns Series - Homecare

Homecare – Permanent Crowns
Now that we’ve placed your permanent crown, it’s important to follow these recommendations to ensure its success.

Chewing and eating
If we used an anesthetic during the procedure, avoid chewing until numbness has completely worn off. To protect your crown, avoid chewing ice or other hard objects.

Brushing and flossing
Brush and floss normally, but if your teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure, you can use a desensitizing toothpaste. If sensitivity increases or persists beyond a few days, call us.

Medication and discomfort
Take antibiotics or other medications only as directed.

To reduce any discomfort or swelling, rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water. Use about one teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water. It’s normal for your gums to be sore for several days.

When to call us
Call our office if your bite feels uneven, you have persistent sensitivity or discomfort, or if you have any questions or concerns.

Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns
When a tooth needs a restoration, sometimes the best choice is a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown. A PFM crown consists of a tooth-colored porcelain layer baked onto a metal core. We might choose a PFM crown to restore a tooth when a large filling has failed, or when the tooth is cracked, broken, or subject to grinding and clenching. A PFM crown is precision-crafted in a dental laboratory so it may take two or more appointments to restore your tooth with a PFM crown.

Placing a PFM crown
On your first visit, we numb the area to make you comfortable. We may also use a rubber dam to protect your mouth and the back for your throat while we work. Using the handpiece, we remove any decay and shape the tooth, so it will securely hold the crown. Next we take an impression of your teeth. The dental lab uses this impression to make an accurate model of your mouth; then they use the model to create a crown that precisely fits your tooth and bite. In the meantime, we often place a temporary crown that precisely fits your tooth and bite. In the meantime, we often place a temporary crown to protect your tooth. On your next visit, we remove the temporary crown and try in your new PFM crown. We check the fit and your bite, and when everything is right, we cement the crown in place.

The benefits of a PFM crown
A PFM crown has several benefits. Like all crowns, it covers and protects your tooth. In addition, a PRM crown has: · Long-lasting durability · An inner metal core that helps the crown withstand heavy biting surfaces · An outer porcelain layer that can be made to closely match or improve your natural tooth color

Crowns Series - Porcelain

Porcelain Crowns

A porcelain crown restoration
When a tooth needs a restoration or you want to improve your smile, sometimes the best choice is a porcelain crown. A porcelain crown is precision-crafter in a dental laboratory, so it may take two or more appointments to restore your tooth with a porcelain crown.

Placing a porcelain crown
On your first visit, we numb the area to make you comfortable. We may also use a rubber dam to protect your mouth and the back of your throat while we work. Using the handpiece, we remove any decay and shape the tooth, so it will securely hold the crown. Next we take an impression of your teeth. The dental lab uses this impression to make an accurate model of your mouth; then they use the model to create a crown that exactly fits your tooth and bite. In the meantime, we often place a temporary crown to protect your tooth. On your next visit, we remove the temporary crown and try in your new porcelain crown. We check the fit, and when everything is right, we bond or cement the crown in place.

The benefits of a porcelain crown
A porcelain crown has several benefits. Like all crowns, it covers and protects your tooth. But in addition, a porcelain crown is:
· Stong and durable
· Beautiful, with the life-like translucency of natural teeth
· Healthier for your teeth and gums because the edge of the natural-looking porcelain does not need to be hidden under the gumline