Repairing and saving teeth--those are the main jobs of dental crowns. Crafted from high-grade ceramic, these restorations preserve and protect teeth above the gum line, maximizing oral function and smile aesthetics. Your Ann Arbor, MI, dentists, Dr. Wayne Walcott and Dr. Brett Walcott can tell you the many benefits of crowns and if they're right for your oral health needs.
Dental crowns and how dentists use them
They've been around literally for generations, composed of materials such as resilient gold, metal alloys fused to ceramic and today's most frequent choice--lifelike porcelain. When a tooth deteriorates or is damaged to the point that a patient considers extraction, your Ann Arbor, MI may offer a crown to cover the tooth above gum level.
First, the Ann Arbor, MI, dentist confirms the need and suitability for a crown by examining and X-raying the weak tooth. If he deems a crown appropriate, he numbs the tooth and uses a high-speed drill to remove decay and old fillings. What's left is healthy tooth structure, sized to receive its porcelain cap.
Oral impressions and instructions from Dr. Walcott tell the dental technician how to create the crown. It may take a week or so for the restoration to return from the lab. Usually, the patient wears a temporary crown in the interim.
For final crown placement, the dentist removes the temporary cap, surface prepares the tooth and bonds on the new crown with a light-activated cement. With a final adjustment for bite, Dr. Walcott completes the procedure.
Benefits of dental crowns
- You get to keep your tooth even if extensively damaged through accident, decay, or infection.
- With proper oral hygiene at home and at the dental office, crowns last for many years.
- Surrounding teeth stay strong and well-supported.
- You bite and chew normally.
- Your smile looks great because today's dental porcelain is beautifully color-matched and has a sheen, texture, and durability similar to natural tooth enamel.
- They restore teeth which have had root canal therapy.
- They restore dental implants.
- They support multi-tooth bridges.
Learn more about dental crowns
Call the office of Dr. Brett Walcott and Dr. Wayne Wolcott in Ann Arbor, MI, today! You'll receive all the information you need to make the right decision about your oral health and smile appearance. Phone (734) 994-3700.