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Tooth has evidence of deep structural decay. |
Once the tooth is shaped into a base for the crown, an impression is made of the tooth and a temporary crown is put in place. |
On your return visit, the new custom made crown is cemented on the tooth. |
TREATMENT TIME:
It will take at least two appointments to fabricate a crown or fixed bridge. At the first visit, local anesthesia will be required unless the tooth has had root canal therapy. This visit will include shaping the remaining tooth for a crown, impression taking, and the placement of a provisional (temporary) crown. The first visit takes about 1.5 hours. About three weeks later, the crown will be fitted and cemented (about ½ hour).
PATIENT MAINTENANCE:
Crowns are aesthetically designed to feel like real teeth. As with your original smile, however, care must be taken to avoid tooth fractures.
- Biting down on hard things like peanut brittle or ice is strictly prohibited.
- Decay must also be avoided. A diet that reduces intake of refined sugars is imperative to prevent the cement that helps hold the crowns in place from washing away because of decay.
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned three or four times a year.
- Fluoride treaments should be given once a year. Ask us about recommending over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to use at home that will help prevent future decay.
- Flossing at least once a day is essential for crowns. The most beautiful results with full crowns can be destroyed if your teeth beneath the crowns become decayed.
RESULTS OF TREATMENT:
Crowning can achieve the ultimate in shade control, tooth shape and size. The final result is completely dependent upon your dentist's skill in shaping the underlying tooth, taking an accurate impression, and artistically creating the crowns with the ceramist.
Recent advances in dental porcelains have produced a remarkable product, the all ceramic "procera" crown. Procera crowns are positively outstanding for their natural appearance and long-lasting strength and durability. No longer do patients have to suffer with the unsightly dark blue/black lines around the margins of crowns or the opaqueness of the porcelain that tells everyone as soon as you smile that you've been "capped".
These crowns are so "life-like" they are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. These attractive restorations usually can be placed in two visits and a local anesthetic is all that is needed for comfort.
AVERAGE RANGE OF TREATMENT LIFE EXPECTANCY:
The average aesthetic life of the full crown is about ten to twenty years. The primary factor in a crown prematurely failing is a poor fit. At The Hirshberg Dental Group, we insure success through vigorous inspection of our technicians work, and a policy of redoing any less than perfect work. Life expectancy is directly proportional to three things: fracture, problems with tissues, and the hidden danger of decay.
COST:
Approximately $1000 to $1200 per tooth.
ADVANTAGES
- Teeth can be lightened or whitened to any desired shade.
- Dentists with "good hands" can improve shapes of teeth.
- Some realignment or straightening of teeth is possible.
POTENTIAL DISADVANTAGES
- Teeth can fracture.
- Crowning requires an anesthetic.
- Original tooth form is altered (possibly involving the nerve).
- If tissue shrinkage occurs, it can expose the junction between tooth and crown, allowing for the possibility of an unsightly line.
- Crowns are not permanent; there is a limited aesthetic life expenctancy.
- Crowns are more expensive than Bonding.
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