Crown Restorations
 Why does my tooth need a crown?
As teeth are filled and refilled over the years they reach a point where they can only be restored by a full coverage crown. The remaining tooth structure will no longer support a large filling. Such a filling must be supported by the tooth; a crown supports the tooth itself. The most common indications for a crown are:
- Teeth with fracture
- Cracked teeth sensitive to cold and sugar
- Teeth with large multi-surface fillings.
- Teeth treated with Root Canal Treatment
How long will my crown last?
This is up to you! If your crown is brushed and flossed daily, it should last a lifetime. Unlike normal fillings, the materials used do not breakdown in the mouth. Our practice stands behinds all crowns for one year.
What is a Full Coverage Crown?
The full coverage crown is one of the most trusted of dental restorations. A hundred –plus years experience has shown that for durability and function nothing beats a crown. The damaged tooth is completely protected and the long term results are excellent. A crown completely covers a tooth down to the crest of the gum. A seal is obtained at the “margin” where the crown meets the tooth structure. This seals protects the tooth against leakage and decay.
Why does my tooth need a "build up"?
Often teeth are broken down to the point that a “Crown build-up” is required. By using silver amalgam, composite or special cements, the remaining tooth structure is augmented such that the crown will hold better.
Why do all Root Canalled Teeth require a full coverage crown?
Root canal teeth are very brittle. If “jaw” teeth are not restored with a crown, they will break and require extraction.
How is my crown made?
Your first appointment is for preparation of the tooth. An impression is made from which the crown will be made in the laboratory. A temporary is made that you will wear on the tooth for 3 weeks.
After our laboratory finished your crown, you will have a second appointment for “seating”. We try it in and make minor adjustments to your bite, ect. The crown is then polished and cemented on your tooth. The cement sets in a few minutes and your crown is ready for full use as soon as you leave our office.
Can my temporary come off?
Yes! That is why we call them “Temporaries”. If your temporary crown comes off call our office dental office in Houston, TX right away and we will re-cement it for you. It is important to have your temporary recemented to ensure the fit of your permanent crown. Until your permanent crown is seated avoid sticky or very hard foods.
Whay are Crowns so expensive?
The materials used and the labor required (four to six hours) make crowns costly dental restorations. A single large gold crown can have upwards of 1/4 ounce of dental gold. When you consider that a crown is a permanent part of your body and can last a lifetime, it is one of the better investments you are likely to make.
After it is cemented, can it come off?
Occasionally permanent crowns will pull of your tooth. We will make you a new crown if it comes off repeatedly. Making crowns is a long laboratory process and there is room for error. In any event, do not be alarmed; we stand by everything we do and we will fix it for you.
Never leave your permanent crown off your tooth for more than a few days. Have it re-cemented at your earliest convenience.
Once my Permanent Crown is cemented, what if it hurts?
Minor discomfort and slight sensitivity are normal for a newly seated crown, however, if the symptoms persist contact our office. The tooth may only need time to adapt to the crown. Any tooth so badly compromised that it need a crown can abscess later and require the nerve to be removed. No one can predict which teeth will so behave.
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