When a tooth has a significant amount of tooth structure missing due to decay or damage, a crown may be the best restorative choice.

How are they done?
After numbing the area, Dr. Saydyk will first take an impression of your tooth to serve as a mold for the temporary crown.  Then the tooth is trimmed approximately the thickness of a penny all the way around the tooth.  All decay and old filling material is removed.  At this time it may be necessary to place a build-up this is filling material that replaces the missing tooth structure and makes the crown stay on better.  It also make the crown easier for the lab technician to make.

A retraction cord, like a small piece of yarn, is then placed around the tooth between the gums and the tooth.  This cord pushes the gums away from the tooth and the edge of the trimmed area or margin is easier to see.  A putty impression
material is then placed in a tray and the patient bites into it.  This putty hardens and a mold of the trimmed tooth is sent to the lab.

A temporary resin crown is made and cemented with temporary cement.  This temporary crown is kept in place until the lab-made crown is ready.

At the try-in appointment, approximately two weeks later, the area is again numbed, if necessary, and the temporary crown is removed.  The tooth is cleaned with antibacterial solution and the crown is cemented in place.

Other than the gums being a little sensitive after the procedure does not hurt.  When a tooth needs a crown it is decayed or damaged and may be sensitive due to it's present state.  The crown prep does not make it more sensitive.

What are crowns made of?
Crowns can be made of many materials, here is a short list:

• Resin
• Gold
• Porcelain fused to Gold
• Porcelain fused to High Noble Metal
• Proclaim fused to Noble Metal
• Porcelain fused to Base Metal
• All Ceramic

At Stoneridge Dental we offer Gold, Porcelain fused to High Noble Metal and all ceramic crowns.

How long do crowns last?
With great home care, diet and regular professional maintenance visits, a crown should last at least 20-25 years or more.  The statical average is 8-10 years.

The most common reasons for failure are:

• Decay around the crown
• Fracture of the Porcelain
• Gum disease

About 10% of all teeth that get crown will need root canals at some point after receiving the crown.  The damage that a tooth has sustained that makes the crown necessary coupled with the removal of tooth structure necessary for a crown sometimes irritates the tooth beyond it's ability to heal.

The need for a root canal is greater with porcelain crowns then with all gold due to the amount of tooth that needs to be removed for the porcelain to have strength.

Dr. Saydyk will recommend the best crown for your particular situation.  If you think you may need a crown contact us to schedule an appointment.