If your tooth has a small hole in it the treatment you would usually require is a filling. However, if the hole (cavity) has progressed to the point where there is too much damage or decay for a filling treatment to be successful but you still have sufficient healthy tooth structure – then a crown can be used to restore your tooth.
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance. When cemented in place the crown fully covers the entire visible portion of the tooth that lies at and above the gum line. Some of the most common reasons a crown would be required are when there is a weak tooth that needs protecting, a tooth that is cracked, a broken tooth or a tooth that has a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left.
Clinical research supports the use of crowns and test results show that crowns have a higher success rate than other tooth restoration treatments, in terms of appearance, durability and function. There are different materials that crowns are made up of but the most common material used here at Pimpama City Dental Centre is porcelain. Porcelain dental crowns provide better natural color match than any other crown type, are strong and may be more suitable for people with metal allergies. They are suitable for both front and back teeth.
Crowns at Pimpama City Dental Centre are completed over two appointments. The first appointment is where the dentist will shape back the tooth to get the exact measurements required. The dentist will also take molds to send to the lab who make the porcelain tooth and finally a temporary crown is made and placed on the tooth while we wait for the lab to custom make the crown. The second appointment is much less involved and therefore a much shorter appointment time is required. This is where the dentist will remove the temporary crown and permanently cement the custom made porcelain crown.
If you have any questions or are interested in getting a crown don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. We are more than happy to discuss your dental needs and work out what will suit you best!