Some Indications
for a Crown are:
- A
previously
filled tooth where there now exists more filling than
tooth
- Extensive
damage by decay
- Discolorations
and compromised esthetics
- Fractures
- Root
canal - after root canal, teeth tend to become brittle
and are more apt to fracture
- Bridges
- when missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the
adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the
replacement teeth.
Crowns
strengthen
and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve
the appearance of your teeth. Crowns can be made from
different materials which include:
- full
porcelain crown
- the
porcelain fused-to-metal crown
- an
all-metal crown.
Fitting of a
Temporary Form (First Visit):
The
first
visit begins by giving you a local anesthetic. Once you
are numb, your dentist will prepare your tooth in a very
specific way in order to maximize the retention and esthetics
of your new porcelain or metal crown. After the tooth
is fully prepared an impression is made using a thin piece of
retraction cord placed
around the tooth in order to get an impression of the material
under the gum where the crown ends.
Once
the
impression stage is complete, your dentist or his assistant,
will place a temporary (transitional) crown (or bridge
if multiple teeth are involved) onto your tooth. These
plastic (acrylic) restorations are placed onto teeth to
protect them and the gum tissues between dental visits. The
temporary
cementing medium used is designed to allow the easy removal of the
temporary crown at your next scheduled visit. |
If Your Crown Comes
Loose:
Sometimes,
even with meticulous care, temporary crowns or bridges
may become loose between visits. If this happens, place the
temporary crown or bridge back on the tooth immediately. Putting
a drop of Vaseline™ in the
temporary crown or bridge will very often increase the
retention and hold the temporary in place until you
can schedule an appointment.
REPLACING
THE TEMPORARY CROWN IMMEDIATELY IS VERY IMPORTANT!
It only takes a short
time
for teeth to
move if
the temporary is not put back into its proper position.
This could affect the final restoration significantly
and may necessitate new impressions and a great deal
of extra time. If you cannot replace the temporary crown
yourself, put it in a safe place and call the office. We will be
happy
to re-cement it for you at the earliest possible moment.
After a Crown Information:
Soreness and
Sensitivity
You may
experience soreness around the gum line which can be relieved
with a warm salt water rinse. You may also
experience sensitivity to cold and/or pressure which is not
unusual. If it continues, please contact one of our offices and
we will be pleased to reassess.
Permanent Restoration
Once the permanent
restoration
has been placed, your bite may feel slightly different. This is
normal.
If your tooth becomes sensitive, call our office for an appointment.
Chewing
Chewing should be done on the side of the
mouth
opposite to the
restoration
until the following day. Avoid eating sticky foods, chewing gum,
and
ice.
Brushing and Flossing
Continue your normal
routine of brushing and flossing. Rinse with warm
water and salt. The health of your gum tissue and the success
of your final treatment restoration depends upon it.
PLEASE do not be afraid to clean your teeth between
visits.
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