Crowns

Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain or another dental ceramic, placed on the top of a tooth. They are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.

CEREC Same Day Crowns

We are pleased to offer our patients the convenience of state-of-the-art CEREC same-day crowns. Technology like CEREC same-day crowns makes it possible for us to help you to get in, get your treatment, then get on with your busy life.
The process for creating CEREC crowns is really kind of fascinating. The tooth is prepared normally for a crown. We then take a digital impression of the tooth, which is input into a computer program. Using this impression, we can view a model of your tooth and design your new crown. The crown is then milled out of a solid ceramic block to fit your tooth. We are pleased to offer our patients the convenience of state-of-the-art CEREC same-day crowns. Technology like CEREC same-day crowns makes it possible for us to help you to get in, get your treatment, then get on with your busy life.

Bridges

Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth. Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants. Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, only your dentist can remove a fixed bridge. Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to make bridge appliances. Appliances called implant bridges are attached to an area below the gum tissue, or the bone.

Procedure

A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An impression is then made from the existing tooth to create a custom-designed crown. The impression is sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. In some cases, a temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are cemented in place. With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration. Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the crown, or even damage the crown.