At your clinical examination, your dentist suggested
that the proper means of restoring your tooth was a crown. The reasons
for making that suggestion can vary from case to case. Some of the indications
for a crown are:
A previously filled tooth where there now exists
more filling than tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened
and can no longer support the filling.
Extensive damage by decay.
Discolorations and compromised esthetics.
Fractures
Root canal - After root canal, teeth tend to become
brittle and are more apt to fracture. They, therefore, need to be protected
by a crown.
Bridges - When missing teeth are replaced with a
bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement
teeth.
Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure
and can improve the appearance of your teeth. Crowns can be made from
different materials which include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain
fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown. You and your dentist will
decide which type is appropriate, depending upon the strength requirements
and esthetic concerns of the tooth involved.
Fitting a crown requires at least two appointments.
During your first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown, an impression
or mold is made of the tooth, and a temporary crown is placed over the
prepared tooth. At the subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed
and the final crown is fitted and adjusted and cemented into place.
First Visit
The first visit begins by giving you a local
anesthetic. Depending upon the type of local anesthetic used, you can expect
to be numb for one to four hours. If your anesthesia should last longer,
do not be concerned. Not everyone reacts to medication in the same manner.
One word of caution : While you are numb, please be careful not to
bite your lip or tongue. A soft diet or no meal at all while you are numb
is probably a good idea. If your child has been the patient, please watch
them carefully to be sure they do not play with their tongue or lip while
it is numb.
Once you are numb, your dentist will prepare your tooth
in a very specific way in order to maximize the retention and esthetics
of your new porcelain to metal crown. After the tooth is fully prepared,
we proceeded with the impression stage. We used a thin piece of retraction
cord which is placed around your tooth in order to get the impression
material under the gum where the crown ends. Please rest assured that
this small piece of cord was removed prior to the end of today's visit.
Should you experience any discomfort you can take a
mild analgesic (Tylenol™, Advil™, Anacin™,
etc.) as long as there is no medical contraindication based upon your
medical history. Typically, you can take anything you would normally take
for a headache. If the discomfort persists, please call your dentist.
Once the impression stage is completed , your dentist
or his assistant will place a temporary (transitional ) crown (or
bridge if multiple teeth were involved) on your tooth. These plastic
(acrylic) restorations are placed on teeth to protect them and
the gum tissues between dental visits. The temporary cementing medium
used is designed to allow the easy removal of the temporary at your next
scheduled visit.
There are a couple of additional facts you should know
about regarding the care of your temporary crown:
Home care is extremely important while your temporary
crown is in place. The health of your gum tissue and the success
of your final treatment restoration depends upon it. PLEASE do not
be afraid to clean your teeth between visits. With a minimal amount
of home care, you should be able to maintain the continued health of
your teeth and gum tissue during the time required to fabricate your
new crown.
Sometimes, even with meticulous care, temporary crowns
or bridges may become loose between visits. If this should occur, please
place the temporary crown or bridge back on your tooth immediately.
Putting a drop of Vaseline™ in the temporary crown or bridge will
very often increase the retention and hold the temporary in place until
you can schedule an appointment. Once again, REPLACING THE TEMPORARY
CROWN IMMEDIATELY IS VERY IMPORTANT ! It only takes a short time
for teeth to move if the temporary is not put back into its proper position.
This could affect the final restoration significantly and may necessitate
new impressions and a great deal of time. If you can not replace the
temporary crown yourself, put it in a safe place and call the office.
We will be happy to recement it for you at the earliest possible moment.
Second visit
At that time, the temporary crown is removed
and any temporary cement is cleaned from the prepared tooth. Your dentist
will fit the final crown, check for accuracy, adjust for any bite discrepancies
and evaluate the esthetics. If all of these factors are acceptable, the
crown is cemented to your tooth. It is not unusual for the new crown to
be mildly sensitive to cold temperatures for a few weeks. However, if the
sensitivity is severe, does not subside, or if the bite feels uncomfortable,
contact your dentist. Further adjustments to the crown may be necessary.
We hope that this brief instruction sheet will
answer most of your questions regarding crowns. Following these simple
guidelines will help provide you with the finest in dental care. If you
have any questions regarding this or any other procedure, please contact
your dentist.
