What is a Crown on a Tooth?

<strong>What</strong> <strong>is</strong> a <strong>Crown</strong> on a Tooth?
When Dr. Madhuri Vanama of D<strong>is</strong>covery Dental recommends a tooth crown, many patients feel
confused about what th<strong>is</strong> means. “<strong>What</strong> <strong>is</strong> a crown on a tooth?” <strong>is</strong> a common question that she hears. A
dental crown helps to preserve a tooth in case of accidental trauma or serious tooth decay. In some
cases, dental crowns may be purely cosmetic to improve how a patient’s smile appears. The following
are typical situations in which a dental crown may be the most appropriate treatment:
To close a large gap between teeth
When one or more of your teeth has a chip, crack, or stain that <strong>is</strong> unsightly to you
As an alternative to orthodontic treatment in cases of minor teeth m<strong>is</strong>alignment
To strengthen a tooth after a root canal
As support for dental bridges
How Dr. Vanama Places a Dental <strong>Crown</strong>
After identifying which of your teeth needs a dental crown, Dr. Vanama may need to remove a small
amount of enamel to make sure that it will fit properly. She also needs to take an impression of your
teeth with dental putty. It takes just a few minutes for the putty to harden and create an impression.
Once th<strong>is</strong> step <strong>is</strong> complete, Dr. Vanama removes it from your mouth and places it in a sealed container.
From there, your impressions go to our dental laboratory so a technician can create your customized
dental crown.
After your crown <strong>is</strong> complete, you need to return to D<strong>is</strong>covery Dental for a second appointment so Dr.
Vanama can place it on the affected tooth. To start the process, she coats your tooth with an adhesive
and then puts the crown over it. She uses a curing light to force the adhesive to harden and allow your
crown will remain in place. Before you leave the appointment, one of her ass<strong>is</strong>tants will go over how to
care for your new dental crown at home. Your crown should last up to 10 years as long as you make
your oral health a priority.
Please contact us to learn more about dental crowns or other cosmetic and restorative dent<strong>is</strong>try
options.
http://d<strong>is</strong>coverydentalwa.com