The natural processes of aging, deep stains and chips on one or more teeth in your smile, can leave you feeling self-conscious. Some people are attracted to dental veneers to improve their smile. However, it’s not uncommon to have the enamel layer on one or two teeth in your smile, restored with a crown.
A crown effectively restores a tooth by replacing the enamel layer with an artificial material. Most of the time a crown on a tooth in your smile will call for using porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.
First the dentist examines the tooth, to assess the extent of the damage and make sure the dentin layer and root are healthy. If decay extends beyond the enamel layer, they might perform a root canal.
The dentist will then form an abutment by removing the majority of the enamel layer, leaving just enough to surround the dentin layer of the tooth. This abutment will be used later to anchor your new crown. They will then create an impression of the area, which is sent to a dental lab, where your crown is made. Once this is done a temporary crown is cemented over the abutment to protect it.
After the dental lab has completed your permanent crown, the dentist will call you in for a brief second appointment to cement the permanent crown in place.
If you have a tooth that needs cosmetic restoration and you would like to have it fit with a crown, please feel free to call us at 801.653.0099 to schedule an appointment.
