Teeth care treatments|Advantages of crowns

Two appointments are needed. During the first visit, the dentist removes about one millimeter of tooth structure.

An imprint of the tooth is then taken, so that a model from which the crown is fabricated can be made

Next, the prepared tooth is covered with a temporary restoration to last until the second visit.  The permanent crown is fitted to the tooth on the second visit. 

Adjustments are made for shape and color so the crown matches the natural teeth. It is then permanently cemented onto the Teeth care treatments in Teeth care treatments.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of crowns?

The advantages are that the shade can be altered as desired; overall tooth shape can be changed; and the result is esthetically pleasing.

The disadvantages are as follows: crowning involves the removal of a considerable amount of tooth structure and is, therefore, not reversible; as the color of the adjacent teeth changes with time.

The crown does not change, resulting in a mismatch between the natural teeth and the bond; if the gums shrink, an unsightly line might be visible at the gum line; the life expectancy of a crown is 5 to 20 years; and longer dental appointments are needed than for bonding.

How expensive are crowns?

Crowning or capping is the most expensive procedure for improving tooth color.  It will cost between $400 and $1,500 per crown.

Fractured or Chipped Teeth

Teeth are relatively fragile and, if traumatized, often will chip of fracture.  If the fracture does not involve the pulp (the inside of the tooth), the solution may be to bond the tooth. 

If the pulp is damaged, however, it will be necessary to undergo a root canal operation or the tooth will likely abscess. 

Due to this possible complication, it is important that no permanent treatment, such as a crown, be applied to a recently traumatized tooth.

To restore a Chipped teeth , the dentist first determines if any pulp has been damaged.  If so, then a root canal is necessary.  This involves cleaning out the canal inside the root which carries the nerves and blood vessels.

If no pulpal damage exists, the dentist will determine if there is enough tooth structure left to bond the tooth. 

If there is, composite bonding may be applied.  If there is not enough tooth structure for bonding, it may be necessary to place pins into the tooth to hold the composite bonding in place. 

After a 3 month period, the tooth is reevaluated to determine if the pulp is still healthy and whether more definitive treatment, such as a crown, is necessary in Chipped teeth.

Worn Teeth

With age, the teeth wear and the biting edges if the front teeth are flattened, making them shorter and all of the same length.  Eventually, less and less tooth is displayed, giving an aged look to the mouth.

Generally, the teeth were slowly, but if a person grinds the teeth (bruxism) wear can be rapid and the amount of tooth worn away may be extensive.  Although bruxism is a common problem, it rarely causes tooth loss.

If teeth are worn down, the cause needs to be established.  If it is due to a tooth being out of position, it should be corrected. 

If it is due to bruxism, a removable acrylic splint which covers the teeth should be worn.

Solutions to improving worn teeth are the application of crowns or, if wear is minimal, composite bonding.

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