Dental crowns are used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes. When used as a form of restorative dentistry, the goal of dental crowns is to save the tooth and avoid extraction, dental implants, or dentures. At Healthy Smiles of La Grange, though we offer all these services, we understand that in some cases, surgical intervention or replacement isn’t the most comfortable solution. Several situations may warrant the placement of a dental crown, with the following being the most common:
- One or several of your teeth are severely stained or discolored. Although Dr. Qureshi offers professional teeth whitening services, it may not be enough to remove extensive damage. A dental crown conceals the problem while improving the appearance of your smile at the same time.
- When you are missing a single tooth or several consecutive teeth, Dr. Qureshi attaches a dental bridge to each of the adjacent teeth to hold it in place. He then affixes the replacement teeth to the bridge. If the surrounding teeth are not strong enough to support a dental bridge, he places a crown on them first.
- If you require a root canal to treat an infected tooth, Dr. Qureshi places a dental crown over it at the completion of the procedure to protect it from further decay and infection.
- Minor misalignment of the teeth can be corrected with dental crowns rather than going through lengthy orthodontic treatment. Dental crowns can also conceal chips and cracks in the teeth.
The Process of Receiving Dental Crowns
Before Dr. Qureshi can place your new crown, he may need to remove up to two millimeters of tooth enamel first. This is to ensure that the crown fits snugly on the surface of your tooth and remains there permanently. Dental crowns completely cover the surface of a tooth that is visible above the gum line. During your first appointment, Dr. Qureshi takes an impression and sends the results to our laboratory. He also inspects the tooth again to make sure that it is strong enough to have a crown placed on it.
After our laboratory creates your dental crown, you need to come in for a second appointment and final fitting. Dr. Qureshi cements the new crown in place by using a special dental laser. His staff then provides you with instructions on how to care for your newly placed crown. Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are essential to increase the longevity of this dental restoration.