Tooth decay that has gone unresolved or large, old fillings that are lost might leave you with a tooth that simply doesn’t have enough enamel to anchor a replacement filling. When this happens the most effective way to restore the tooth is to remove most of the enamel and fit the remaining abutment cover the root with a crown.
Keep in mind that if significant decay has infected the root of the tooth, that your dentist might need to perform a root canal before a crown can be cemented in place. Most of the time, a permanent crown requires two separate appointments are required.
The first appointment often includes a series of X-rays to assess the health of the root. The dentist will then use a drill to remove the majority of the enamel. This leaves behind a small post called an abutment.
The dentist will make an impression of the abutment as well as your bite pattern. This information is then sent to a lab where they custom form your crown. The crown material will vary depending on the location of the tooth in your mouth and whether or not it is present in your smile. You dentist will suggest the ideal material for you.
At a short second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown in place.
If you have a tooth with severely damaged enamel or concerns that you might need a crown, please feel free to call us at [phone] to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you regain the full function of your tooth!
