Dental Crowns in Spirit Lake, Iowa

 

If you’ve ever suffered from severe cavities, cracked or damaged teeth, or tooth sensitivity, you understand it’s not a pleasant experience.  Our team is dedicated to helping our patients avoid oral pain and maintain a healthy smile that boosts confidence.  One of the most effective ways to strengthen damaged teeth is with a dental crown, commonly referred to as a “cap.”

A dental crown is a fabricated cover for a tooth that has been damaged or had a root canal.  Some types of damage include large decay, breaks or fractures, cracked tooth syndrome, and even clenching or grinding.  The crown acts as a sort of shield to protect from further damage, reduce sensitivity, and strengthen overall tooth structure.  Most crowns are made out of ceramic that matches the color of your surrounding teeth, but they can also be fabricated using gold or other metals.

Procedure for a Crown

 

The procedure for a crown starts with identifying the extent of damage to a tooth via x-ray.  Sometimes our doctors will recommend fabricating a crown for a tooth that has an existing filling if it is large or wearing down.  If the tooth has extensive decay that has reached the nerve canal of a tooth or if an abscess has formed, a root canal is necessary before a crown can be placed.

Fabricating a crown takes place in two visits to our office.  At the first visit, depending on remaining tooth structure, one of our doctors will build the tooth up with composite material, similar to having a cavity filled.  The tooth is then shaped around the perimeter to create space between the surrounding teeth.  While waiting for the lab to fabricate the final crown, a temporary is placed to protect the tooth.

At the second visit, the crown is fitted and cemented in place.  Follow up visits may be necessary to ensure the crown fits properly and is not causing other issues in your mouth.  At first the crown may feel foreign in your mouth.  As you adjust, it will feel and function just like all of your other teeth.  Good, consistent oral hygiene is important to maintain the crown.  Although crowns are effective at preventing further damage, poor maintenance can allow decay to form below the gumline or under the crown.