If your dentist has recommended that you get a dental crown placed on a tooth, you might be wondering why one is necessary and the process for getting one placed. Below, Dr. Scott Siemen, dentist at Paxton Dental Care in Paxton, MA, explains what you need to know about dental crowns.
~ Katerina R.★★★★★
As always my experience was wonderful. The staff and Dr. Siemen are just wonderful. There is never any wait, everyone is nice and professional and every time I have any dental work done I am very happy with the results. Going to a dentist can be actually quite a nice experience. I would highly recommend this office to everyone!
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown, also commonly referred to as a tooth cap, is a dental restoration that is designed to restore the natural shape and function of a tooth that is decayed or has been damaged. It is a tooth-shaped piece of material (typically a durable dental porcelain for a natural appearance) that covers the entire surface of a tooth.
Why a dental crown may be recommended
Dental crowns are a good way to save and protect your natural tooth and can also be used to change the aesthetic appearance of your tooth. They are a good option when a larger portion of a tooth needs to be repaired or modified than other restorations such as fillings or dental bonding allow. Dr. Siemen may recommend a dental crown in the following circumstances:
- To fix a cracked tooth
- For large chips and breaks
- To cosmetically enhance your tooth
- To repair fillings or other old dental work that has broken or worn down
- As a replacement tooth on top of a dental implant
Crowns and Bridges by Dr. Scott Siemen
Save your tooth with a Dental Crown
How a dental crown is placed
Depending on your needs and preferences, there are two ways to have a dental crown placed.
Traditional crowns are placed over the course of two visits. In the first visit, Dr. Siemen prepares your tooth for the dental crown, takes impressions, and places a temporary crown on your tooth while the permanent crown is being made. A couple of weeks later, when your crown is ready, you come back in and Dr. Siemen will place the crown on your tooth.
Same day crowns, also called CEREC® crowns, are designed, created, and placed all in the same visit using advanced 3D computer technology. After preparing your tooth and taking digital impressions, the crown is milled from a block of durable ceramic while you wait and then placed on your tooth the same day – saving you the time and hassle of multiple appointments.
To learn more about dental crowns and how they can be used to fix a chipped tooth and restore other issues with your teeth, call our Paxton, MA office today at (508) 557-2400.
