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What Exactly Are Dental Crowns?

dental crowns in huntsville

Dental Crowns in Huntsville, Alabama

Dental crowns are often used to repair a worn-down or damaged tooth. These restorations cover the entire tooth to restore its natural appearance and function. The effectiveness of dental crowns largely depends on the type of crown, how it is fixed, and how well you care for them.

Why Are Dental Crowns Used?

Dr. Ingram, your dentist, may recommend getting dental crowns in Huntsville, Alabama, if you have severely worn down, weak teeth, misshapen, or uneven teeth. But, he can also use them to cover a large filling, protect a tooth after a root canal, hold a dental bridge, or cover dental implants.

What Are Dental Crown Options?

The crowns come in different materials, which differ in appearance, durability, and cost. They include:

  • Ceramic crowns or porcelain crowns, such as zirconia or lithium disilicate 
  • Metals, such as gold or silver-based alloys, titanium, or stainless steel
  • Metal-ceramic or Porcelain fused to a metal framework
  • Composite resin crowns, similar to that used in dental fillings

What Is Required for Dental Crowns?

Although the teeth require reshaping to make room for the crowns, you need a sufficient amount of tooth for support. If the tooth structure is minimal, the caps will not bond properly and may cause them to fall out. Because of this, your dentist may take a few more steps to create a structure with a composite material to support the crowns.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Initial Exam

Dr. Ingram takes X-rays and examines your mouth. He notes the tooth’s color to ensure the ceramic’s shade matches your surrounding teeth. 

Tooth Preparation

Some teeth may need to be filed away to ensure a good fit.

With the help of local anesthesia, your dentist will clean up any tooth decay and ensure the tooth’s pulp isn’t infected. Your dentist preserves as much of the natural tooth as possible.

Impressions and Crown Fabrication

Dr. Ingram takes digital dental images of your tooth. Other dentists may use a special silicone-based putty. The impression is sent to a dental lab where a technician makes your permanent crown or uses an in-house 3D printer. 

Temporary Crown Placement

While waiting for your permanent crown to be made, you are fitted with a temporary crown. The temporary crown protects your tooth and prevents any shifting.

You’ll schedule an appointment to return when your permanent crown is ready.

Permanent Crown Placement

At the following appointment, your dentist removes your temporary crown. You get a thorough cleaning of the area, and your dentist makes any adjustments before placing the new crown. 

Once Dr. Ingram is sure that your new crown has a proper fit, he’ll attach it to your tooth using dental cement. He then checks to ensure your bite is even and not bothering or rubbing against other teeth. 

Get Your Dental Crowns in Huntsville, AL

While the dental crowns do not need any special dental instructions, you need to brush your teeth and provide proper care for the crowns to last.

Visit William Ingram DMD in Huntsville, Alabama, for more information about dental crowns and what you can expect. Call us now to book an appointment with our tooth crown dentist near you. 

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