Dental Crown Treatment Guide
Dental crowns are used for many different reasons. Simply put, they are just synthetic tooth-shaped caps that are placed on the chewing surface of a tooth. Your dentist might recommend them if your tooth is cracked/chipped or if you need a root canal. They are also often installed as part of a dental bridge since they hold the bridge in place. This article will discuss how dental crown treatments work, the different types of crown treatments, and more. If you need help with dental problems in Lawrence, Massachusetts, give our team a call.
How Are Dental Crowns Installed?
The process of getting a dental crown is very straightforward. First, the tooth that will receive the crown is reshaped so that the crown can easily be placed. Second, a custom crown is created and affixed to the tooth. That second step can vary depending on which type of dentist you go to. Most dental offices do dental crowns the traditional way. They shape your tooth, take measurements, and send those measurements to a local dental lab where the crown is made. This means there are a few weeks where you will have a temporary crown placed that isn’t custom-fit to your teeth.
How Do CEREC Crowns Work?
By contrast, some dental practices like ours have invested in CEREC technology. This technology allows a dentist to take measurements and import them into a digital design software, where a crown can be designed and made in the office.
There is a common misconception that patients think this is a “3D printed” crown. It actually sculpted instead. But there is some overlap in the sense that a digital design tool is used to create an object. Regardless, this technology allows dental ceramic material to be shaped into a custom crown in a matter of hours so that a patient can have it installed on the same day.
What Should You Do If A Crown Chips Or Falls Out?
Like your teeth, your dental crowns are not impervious to damage. If your dental crown suddenly loosens, cracks, chips, or even falls out, you should see a same-day dentist. Again, ideally, you would want to see a dentist who provides CEREC so that your crown could be replaced in one visit. Otherwise, your dentist might take measurements, put on a temporary crown, and then schedule another visit down the road for your new crown to be placed.
Schedule Dental Visits in Lawrence, MA
If you or your family needs to schedule a dental visit for either a regular cleaning or to address a specific issue, our team would be happy to help. Give us a call to schedule an appointment in Lawrence, Massachusetts.