Dental Crowns and Fillings
Crowns
A dental crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of dental crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for crowns:
• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings
• Root canal on a tooth
• Implant enhancement
Same-Day Crowns
No more impressions, no more temporary crowns, and no more waiting! Our office uses some of the most advanced technology to provide efficiency and convenience for our patients. This includes our new same day porcelain crowns. We use a special camera and scan the teeth. This is extremely sensitive technology to scan the tooth/teeth to create the most lifelike crown. This is all done digitally, so no more messy impressions!
Our computer software allows the dentist to view and adjust the crown for the best fit, comfort, and function. The milling machine mills or creates the crown right in the office, using the information collected by the dentist and the software. The dentist can then seat and bond the crown securely, completing the entire procedure in a single appointment.
Composite Fillings
A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. Composite fillings are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.
Reasons for composite fillings:
Chipped teeth
Closing space between two teeth
Cracked or broken teeth
Decayed teeth
Worn teeth
How are composite fillings placed?
Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, our dentists will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.
Bonding Durability
Although composite resins are cosmetically pleasing and easily placed, their durability is not as strong as other types of restorations. These resins typically last from 4-7 years before they begin to chip and wear away. When this happens, the restoration will need to be replaced.
You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.