Crowns

Pacer Dental is proud of their expertise in crown application that can only come from decades of experience! Crowns are natural-looking, tooth-shaped caps that restore broken down teeth to their normal size and shape while strengthening and improving the appearance of the tooth. They are used to cover damaged or missing teeth, restoring a full and beautiful smile.These crowns (caps) are cemented into place to provide both strong and visibly appealing replacements for natural teeth.

A crown can be used to:

Hold a cracked tooth together to prevent further damage
Cover and support a tooth with a large filling where only a little of the original tooth is left
Attach a bridge
Protect a weak tooth from breaking
Restore a broken tooth
Cover a discolored or misshapen tooth
Restore a dental implant

What is the procedure like?

Before we put in a crown, we first have to prepare your tooth. We will shape part of the tooth so the crown can fit in securely and comfortably. The area around your tooth will be numbed throughout the procedure with a local anesthetic.

After the tooth is prepared, we will make an impression of your teeth and gums using a paste or putty. This will be either be done in office the same day or sent to a laboratory to make your custom crown. This usually takes 1-2 weeks. You will be given a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready. Finally, the temporary crown is removed and the new one is cemented onto the tooth.

What are the different types of crowns available?

There are several different methods of crown restoration, each using a different crown material. Many different materials are used to make crowns, each with its own benefits. Dr. Hughes and his staff can help you decide which material is best for your situation.

Metal crowns are made entirely of a metal alloy that may include gold, platinum, palladium, or other elements. Compared with other kinds of crowns, metal crowns preserve more of the tooth structure. They withstand biting and chewing forces well and rarely chip or break. The biggest drawback of metal crowns is the metallic color. Metal crowns provide little damage to opposing teeth but tend to be noticeable (unless placed in the back of the mouth) because of their shiny, metallic color.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns can be color-matched to your teeth. Second only to all-ceramic crowns in appearance, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look like normal teeth. However, the metal underlying the crown’s porcelain can create a dark line. PFM crowns tend to wear down opposing teeth more than metal crowns. The crown's porcelain portion can also chip or break. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns match the color of your own teeth but are prone to chipping or breaking.
All-resin crowns are the least expensive type of crown. The drawback is that they are more prone to chips and fractures than other crowns and tend to wear down more quickly over time.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns provide the best natural color of all the crowns. They are not as strong as PFM or gold crowns but newer porcelains are getting closer in strength all the time, and they may wear down opposing teeth more than metal or resin crowns. Porcelain crowns may also chip more easily than others. Because they are the most cosmetically pleasing, they are usually used for the front teeth.

What are the potential problems patients may experience after getting a crown?

You may experience increased sensitivity immediately after the procedure, particularly if the crowned tooth still has a nerve in it. For sensitivity to heat and cold, you may want to try toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Pain or sensitivity from biting down usually means that the crown is too high on the tooth. If this is the case, we will be able to fix the problem.

Resin can be used to repair chipped crowns. However if the chipping is extensive, the entire crown may need to be replaced.

Crowns sometimes become loose if the cement washes out from underneath. Bacteria can then leak in and cause decay. If your crown feels loose, contact our office.

In some cases, a crown may fall off entirely. If this happens, contact us immediately so we can walk you through the proper maintenance of your teeth and crown until you are able to come in for an appointment. We may be able to replace the crown; if not, a new crown will be made.

How long does it take to have a crown placed and what is the process?

When you make the decision that a crown is the best choice for you, two office visits may be required unless we mill it in the office the same day. Initially, we prepare the tooth, which can include X-rays, root canal, reshaping and making an impression of the tooth. If not done in office the same day, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth. The impression is then sent to a laboratory where it is manufactured into a crown within a week or two.

If there is a second office visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent one is checked for accurate fit and color. It is then permanently cemented in place.

Dental crowns can last between 5 and 15 years. The length depends on the wear and tear of the crown, as well as good hygiene practices. Poor care and excessive use can lead to chipping, loosening or pain from the crown. Fortunately, crowns do not require any special care other than regular dental hygiene. Crowns can help restore both the health and beauty of a full smile.