Dental Crown Wareham MA

A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a covering that fits over a tooth. It completely covers a tooth above the gum line.  Likewise, crowns can even be used to replace a tooth entirely when used as bridgework. If a tooth is missing a significant amount of structure, your dentist will likely recommend a crown.

In addition, crowns are beneficial in that they enhance the strength of damaged teeth, which in turn restores function. They can even improve the original appearance of a tooth.

Dental crowns are typically made from porcelain, or dental ceramics, so they look just like natural teeth. Oftentimes, crowns can be made of other materials such as gold, which is very durable. However, they do not look the best and are highly visible, especially in the front of the mouth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) are another option. The metal makes the crown strong, while the porcelain exterior gives the crown a natural appearance.

Wareham Family Dental can discuss the pros and cons of these various materials for crowns. If you want to enhance the appearance of one or more teeth, call our office today at (508) 295-7476 to learn more. 

Crowning or Capping a Tooth

In general, preparing and placing the crown typically takes two to three dental visits. The tooth is prepared at the first visit. Next, it is shaped to fit inside the crown. After the tooth is prepared, impressions are taken and sent to the lab. These impressions will be used to create the crown. 

Additionally, you may be given a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the permanent crown is ready. The permanent crown is placed on the second visit. Lastly, it is attached to your tooth with a resin or permanent cement.

Creating a Bridge with Dental Crowns

Crowns can also be used to create a bridge, which can replace a missing tooth. In short, a bridgework involves spanning the space of the missing tooth with crowns and pontics, or false teeth. At least two crowns are required. Normally, the crowns are placed over healthy teeth on each side of the missing tooth. These abutment teeth support the pontic, which is placed in between them. 

The more missing teeth you have, the more abutment teeth you will need to replace these teeth. In addition, other factors include the size and length of the tooth roots, the amount of bone support and the location of the missing tooth.

Caring for Your Crowns and Bridgework

Care for your crowns and bridgework the same way you would care for your natural teeth. For example, brush and floss between all of your teeth daily to keep teeth free of plaque. Also, avoid using your teeth to open packages and wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.  

Contact Us Today

Crowns can be used for multiple purposes. They can be used to restore damaged or decayed teeth and create bridges to replace missing teeth. The dentists at Wareham Family Dental can determine if a crown is right for you. Schedule a consultation by calling our office at (508) 295-7476.