If you have a tooth that has been severely compromised, your North Vancouver dentist may suggest a dental crown treatment. A dental crown protects a tooth that has weakened from decay or one that is broken or significantly worn down. If you have a filling that comprises more than one-half of your tooth, a dental crown may be used for added support. A dental crown may also be used to hold a dental bridge in place and is used to cover dental implants. At times, dental crowns are used to protect the teeth of children who are prone to cavities because they find it difficult to practise proper oral hygiene. Dental crowns are used for cosmetic purposes as well, such as covering discoloured or crooked teeth.
Multiple-visit crown treatment
Traditionally, crown treatment involves multiple visits to the dentist. On your first visit, the dentist will do an X-ray to examine your mouth, the root of the affected tooth and the supporting bone. The dentist will then prepare the tooth for a temporary crown. If the dental exam reveals that the tooth is exceedingly decayed or if the pulp is infected, you may need a root canal before proceeding.
During a root canal, the dentist will numb the area and use small dental tools to remove the damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth. The dentist will then file and shape the inner tooth and root. Finally, they will irrigate the tooth and use an antimicrobial solution to kill any lingering bacteria to reduce the risk of a recurring infection.
After the thorough cleaning, the dentist will fill the tooth and then make an impression of it using a mold or dental scanner. They will send the dimensions to a dental laboratory for a permanent crown to be made. While you wait for a permanent crown, your dentist will use a temporary crown to seal the tooth. In most instances, temporary crowns are made of acrylic or stainless steel. Permanent crowns tend to be made using ceramic or porcelain. Typically, a patient must wear a temporary crown for two to three weeks while a permanent crown is fabricated.
Once your permanent crown is ready, you must return to your dentist to have the temporary crown removed. Before placing the permanent crown, the dentist will check the state of your natural tooth. If the tooth is too weak, you will need a small post inside the root chamber to support the permanent crown. When the dentist is satisfied that the tooth is strong enough, they will cement the permanent crown in place.
Single-visit crown treatment
Thanks to advances in technology, some dentists now offer single-visit crown treatment as an alternative to multiple visits. Single-visit crown treatment is an expedited process in which a dentist can use a digital scan to create a crown using a milling machine in their office instead of sending impressions to a lab. Single-visit crowns—also known as same-day crowns—are convenient as there is no need to wear temporary crowns, which are often ill-fitted and do not match the appearance of natural teeth. You will find as well that same-day crowns are as effective and long-lasting as multiple-visit restorations.
Are you searching for a dental crown specialist in North Vancouver?
If you are searching for a dental crown specialist in West or North Vancouver, contact us at Peak Dental Arts. We have two locations with same-day crown technology!
At Peak Dental Arts, our goal is to provide you with exceptional dentistry in a calm, educational and professional environment. Our team of North Vancouver dentists strives to deliver comprehensive dental care, looking at the mouth as a whole to give our patient’s teeth the best chance of lasting a lifetime. If you require dental crown treatment, we will consider all your dental concerns along with our examination to determine the best course of treatment.
So, give us a call today to discuss your options for dental crown treatment.