Crowns
If a tooth is severely decayed, broken, or brittle, then an artificial crown may be used to rebuild the tooth. This should be a painless procedure that takes two or three dental visits.
If the roots and base of the tooth are strong, then a dentist will prepare the tooth for the crown by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
If the tooth is severely decayed, or weak, then it may be necessary to insert a metal post into the tooth to support the crown. In this case, root canal therapy is performed, and then the post is fitted into the cleaned out root.
Since the crown must be carefully constructed to match the opposing tooth and ensure a correct bite, several impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab that will construct the crown. A temporary crown will be applied to protect the tooth until the next appointment.
At the second visit, the dentist will fit the crown over the old tooth; and if the fit is good, then the dentist will cement the crown into place. Depending on the materials used in constructing the crown, it should last from 10 years to life. |
