Implant Dentistry of Eugene

A crown is a special dental restoration that entirely covers or "caps" a tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance. Your dentist may recommend a crown to: replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining; protect a weak tooth from fracturing; restore a fractured tooth; attach a bridge; cover a dental implant; cover a poorly shaped tooth; cover a discolored tooth; or cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment. Which material is best? Several factors are considered when choosing among the various materials used to make crowns. Your dentist considers the location of the tooth, the color and shade, the amount ot tooth that shows when you smile, the function of the tooth (tearing versus grinding), and the position of surrounding gum tissue.
Gold or non-precious alloys, porcelain or ceramic, acrylic or composite resin or combinations or these materials are used to make crowns. Porcelain attached to a durable metal shell is commonly used for its strength. A crown made entirely of tooth-colored porcelain may be used when the tooth is in the visible part of the smile. Gold or other alloys might be used for crowns on less visible molars. Preparing the tooth and placing the crown usually requires two visits. In some cases, an additional visit may be needed for adjustments. During the first visit, the dentist shapes the outer portion of the tooth to accommodate the thickness of the crown. Impressions are made of the prepared tooth. Your dentist or a dental laboratory technician (following the written instructions of the dentist) then makes the crown from the model. A temporary crown, often made of acrylic resin, covers the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is made. When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist removes the temporary crown and places the permanent one over the prepared tooth. Minor adjustments may be made to make the crowned tooth and your "bite" feel comfortable.		Taking care of your smile To prevent damaging your new crown (or your natural teeth), avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other objects. Look for oral hygiene products that display the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, a symbol of safety and effectiveness. Brush twice a day with an ADA-accepted toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes, sticks or picks). This helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Take time to carefully remove the plaque from the area where gum tissue meets the tooth (the sulcus). Plaque that accumulates in the sulcus can cause tooth decay or gum disease. Schedule regular dental visits for checkups and professional teeth cleaning.