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WHEN DO I NEED A CROWN?
Often, crowns protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth. Here are some examples: |
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Teeth Reconstruction
Severely damaged teeth that can't otherwise be repaired in any other way. Teeth that have broken down or already severely worn down. |
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Prevention
To prevent fracture of a weak or brittle tooth (often after a root canal). A crown also covers a dental implant. |
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Stability
To re-established the bite by giving the teeth different heights, widths or positions. To hold a dental bridge. |
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Teeth Aesthetics
To change the form / shape/ color /size of teeth. To cover misshaped or severely discolored teeth |
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Function
Fringing opposing teeth into firm contact will enhance chewing capability. |
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Types of Crowns |
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All Porcelain Crowns (Empress, E-max, Lava, Clinical Zirconia) |
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Porcelain with metal support underneath (PFM's) |
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Gold Crowns |
What does a crown involve?
At your first visit, Dr. Reid will determine through an oral exam and x-rays if a crown is needed. If the tooth is severely decayed or there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth's pulp (nerve), a root canal must first be performed prior to the crown preparation. First, the area around the tooth and gum is numbed (anesthesia). The tooth is reduced all around to make room for the crown. In the event that the tooth is severely broken down, (or if a large area is missing due to decay or damage), we will first use a strong filling material to "build up" the tooth to support the crown. After the tooth is reshaped, a putty impression is taken (much like play-do) and sent to the dental laboratory where the crown in fabricated. Your tooth will be covered with a temporary crown made of acrylic to protect both the tooth and the gum area while the crown is made. We will instruct you on how to take care of your temporary crown. The crown is then delivered in about 2 weeks where the temporary is removed and the new crown placed in permanently with a resin cement.
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| IMPLANTS
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Dental implants are small titanium posts which are inserted into the jaw bone where teeth are missing. Bone eventually bonds to the titanium posts and forms a strong foundation. A crown is eventually attached to the implant which restore a patient’s smile. Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.
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Reasons for dental implants:
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An alternative to a bridge especially when just one tooth is missing |
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Resolve bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space. |
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Support a bridge or denture, provides more comfort and confidence |
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What does a dental implants involve?
X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. The implant will be placed into the jawbone and allowed to integrate and bond to the surrounding bone from about three to six months. You should be able to wear a temporary denture and eat a soft diet during this time. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, Dr. Reid will start to make the mold for your new crown.
You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant. Often, the crowns are indistinguishable from natural teeth!
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VENEERS
Veneers are wafer thin shells of porcelain custom-made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile. These ceramic restorations can be bonded quickly and easily, transforming your smile in a matter of hours. As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile. For those who are clenchers or grinders, a thin night guard may help to protect the wear of your new porcelain veneers.
Reasons for porcelain veneers:
- Creates an even and beautiful smile
- Reshapes crooked teeth.
- Dark/stained teeth that has not responded to whitening
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Teeth that are too small
- Unwanted or uneven spaces.
- Worn or chipped teeth.
What does a porcelain veneer involve?
After an initial consultation visit, Dr. Reid will take a putty mold of your teeth together with photos to send to the dental laboratory. Often times, a visit to the orthodontist or the periodontist may be needed prior to placing veneers. We will also evaluate if whitening is needed prior to placing veneers. Remember these are very thin shells and sometimes the inner color of your tooth can be reflected. Once ready, a mold of the "before and after" will be shown to you. Then, we can discuss any changes with shape and color. Initial consultations are always great as they prepare you for the final outcome. It is always important to make sure that the teeth look good and function just as well. Little or no anesthesia required during the procedure. The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. A putty mold is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen. The teeth are then covered with a thin acrylic temporary veneer to protect the tooth.
On the second visit, he temporary veneers are removed. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond. You will receive care instructions for veneers. We will followup with you in about a week, to make sure that you are comfortable with your bite and to make any adjustments., if necessary. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.
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