Dental Crowns and Implants
A dental crown is a custom-made and tooth-shaped cap that completely replicates the prepared tooth, while restoring the damaged tooth to its original shape, size and strength. Dental crowns are used to restore teeth that are damaged due to decay, injury, bite problems or natural wear.
When is a Dental Crown needed?
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To protect a weak tooth from breaking, or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
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To correct the shape or color of a tooth.
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To restore a tooth that is already broken.
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To support a tooth with a filling that is too large for the tooth to support.
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To hold a dental bridge in place.
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To cover the metal post used in a dental implant.
We can fabricate strong, natural-looking dental crowns that blend perfectly well with the surrounding teeth in shape and color.
How is the tooth prepared for a crown?
During the first visit, Dr. Dillon will assess the damaged tooth, evaluating the roots of the affected tooth and the surrounding bone. If the root is infected or injured, it might be necessary to perform a root canal prior to the new restoration.
Next, he will anesthetize (numb) your tooth and gum tissue in the area. The tooth receiving the dental crown is prepared by removing some of the enamel of the tooth to make room for the crown. If part of the tooth is missing, Dr. Dillon will use a resin filling material called a ‘build up’ in order to create a foundation for the tooth and support the new dental crown.
He will take impressions of the area, which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the dental crown is custom fabricated for you. Finally, he will take a custom shade and cement a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth while waiting for the permanent dental crown to be manufactured.
During the second visit, Dr. Dillon will remove the temporary crown and check the color and fit of the permanent crown. Once he feels the fit is appropriate, he will secure the new dental crown with a more permanent cement.
How do I know if I need an implant?
Implant dentistry allows dentists to create healthy, attractive smiles in a very contemporary and innovative way. Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth, and are an alternative to conventional bridges and dentures. Essentially, a dental implant acts and looks like a natural tooth. Due to the fact that they maintain bone mass, dental implants can also help prevent additional tooth loss as well as the "sunken" facial appearance associated with missing teeth.
A dental implant restoration consists of a bio-compatible titanium screw and abutment (post) topped by a dental crown, bridge, or denture. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone where it replaces the natural tooth root. A few months later, the dental implant securely attaches to the bone (called "Osseointegration"), allowing it to withstand biting and chewing forces and act similar to a healthy, natural tooth.
Dr. Brian Dillon is a very proficient dentist in implant dentistry whether it is a single implant or one involving treatment to give support to a fixed bridge or denture. To learn more about implant dentistry, or how to secure an existing denture with a more stable solution, contact our office today.