With time and age, teeth weaken and are prone to discoloration, decay and cracking. If you feel age is beginning to show on your teeth and your smile is no longer as captivating as it used to be, or if during a routine checkup your dentist discovers a problem such as a cracked tooth, a dental crown may be right for you.
Dental crowns are usually made with either pure porcelain or porcelain filled with gold or metal. Pure porcelain crowns offer the most natural look because they are closest to your tooth’s natural color.
Dental crown procedure
Installing a dental crown usually takes two visits to the dentist to complete.
On your first visit, the dentist reshapes the tooth to prepare it for the crown. A local anesthetic is administered first to avoid discomfort during the procedure. After the reshaping is done, the dentist makes a mold of the tooth and the other teeth around it to make sure the crown will blend well. Because the tooth has been altered, a temporary crown is placed over it while the permanent crown is being made. After the anesthetic wears off there may be a little soreness.
When the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed and cement is used to fix the new crown in place. Once the procedure is done, you will have your beautiful smile back.
If properly cared for, dental crowns can last from ten to fifteen years. It is important to regularly brush and floss your teeth, crowns included.
If you are tired of discolored or cracked teeth and want your attractive smile back, call our office at(206) 623-3371 today to schedule an appointment.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Schedule Your Appointment Today