Crowns

At your clinical examination, your dentist suggested that the propermeans of restoring your tooth was a crown. The reasons for makingthat suggestion can vary from case to case. Some of the indicationsfor a crown are:

1. A previously filled tooth where there now exists more fillingthan tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened andcan no longer support the filling.
2. Extensive damage by decay.
3. Discolorations and compromised esthetics.
4. Fractures
5. Root canal - After root canal, teeth tend to become brittleand are more apt to fracture. They, therefore, need to be protectedby a crown.
6. Bridges - When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth.

Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your teeth. Crowns can be made from different materials which include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown. You and your dentist will decide which type is appropriate, depending upon the strength requirements and esthetic concerns of the tooth involved.

Fitting a crown requires at least two appointments.During your first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown, an impression or mold is made of the tooth, and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. At the subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted and adjusted and cemented into place.

First Visit

Once you are numb, your dentist will prepare your tooth in a very specificway in order to maximize the retention and esthetics of your newporcelain to metal crown. After the tooth is fully prepared,we proceeded with the impression stage. We used a thin piece of retractioncord which is placed around your tooth in order to get the impressionmaterial under the gum where the crown ends. Please rest assuredthat this small piece of cord was removed prior to the end oftoday's visit.

Should you experience any discomfort you can take a mild analgesic(Tylenol™, Advil™, Anacin™,etc.) as long as there is no medical contraindication basedupon your medical history. Typically, you can take anything youwould normally take for a headache. If the discomfort persists,please call your dentist.

Once the impression stage is completed , your dentist or his assistant will place a temporary(transitional ) crown (or bridge if multiple teeth wereinvolved) on your tooth. These plastic (acrylic) restorationsare placed on teeth to protect them and the gum tissues betweendental visits. The temporary cementing medium used is designedto allow the easy removal of the temporary at your nextscheduled visit.

There are a couple of additional facts you should know about regardingthe care of your temporary crown:

• Home care is extremely important while your temporary crownis in place. The health of your gum tissue and the successof your final treatment restoration depends upon it. PLEASEdo not be afraid to clean your teeth between visits. With a minimalamount of home care, you should be able to maintain the continuedhealth of your teeth and gum tissue during the time required tofabricate your new crown.
  
  

• Sometimes, even with meticulous care, temporary crowns orbridges may become loose between visits. If this should occur,please place the temporary crown or bridge back on your toothimmediately. Putting a drop of Vaseline™ in the temporarycrown or bridge will very often increase the retention and holdthe temporary in place until you can schedule an appointment.Once again, REPLACING THE TEMPORARY CROWN IMMEDIATELY IS VERYIMPORTANT ! It only takes a short time for teeth to move ifthe temporary is not put back into its proper position. This couldaffect the final restoration significantly and may necessitatenew impressions and a great deal of time. If you can not replacethe temporary crown yourself, put it in a safe place and callthe office. We will be happy to recement it for you at the earliestpossible moment.
  
  

Second visit

We hope that this brief instruction sheet will answer most ofyour questions regarding crowns. Following these simpleguidelines will help provide you with the finest in dentalcare. If you have any questions regarding this or any other procedure,please contact your dentist.