What are
Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are essentially a "cap" that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its function, shape, and aesthetics. They are often recommended when a tooth is broken, decayed, or worn down to the point where a simple filling won't suffice. Dental crowns can also be used to hold dental bridges in place or to cover dental implants. In essence, crowns are a versatile solution that can offer both restorative and cosmetic benefits, making them a popular choice for patients looking to improve their oral health and the appearance of their smile.
The Dental Crowns
Treatment Process
The dental crown process is a multi-step procedure that involves preparing the tooth, creating a mold of the tooth, and finally, placing the crown.
Tooth Preparation
The first step in the dental crown procedure involves preparing the tooth for the crown. This typically involves removing a small amount of the tooth's structure to make room for the crown. Dr. Leah Luck, a highly skilled Fort Mill dentist at Luck Family Dental, will ensure that this process is as comfortable as possible, using local anesthesia to numb the area and minimize any discomfort.
Impressions and Temporary Crown
Once the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken. This impression serves as a model for the dental lab to create a crown that fits your tooth perfectly. In the meantime, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth. This temporary crown is worn until your final crown is ready, ensuring that your tooth is never left unprotected.
Crown Placement
The final step is the placement of the permanent crown. Once the dental lab has crafted your custom crown, you'll return to Luck Family Dental for the fitting. Dr. Luck will carefully place the crown, ensuring that it fits correctly and feels comfortable in your mouth. She will then cement the crown into place, resulting in a tooth that is strong, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
Types of
Dental Crowns
At Luck Family Dental, we understand that every patient's needs are unique, which is why we offer a variety of dental crown options.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are known for their exceptional strength and durability. They are also highly aesthetic, with a translucent appearance that closely mimics the look of natural teeth. Zirconia crowns are an excellent choice for patients who need a crown on a molar, as they can withstand the heavy biting forces that these teeth are subjected to.
Gold Crowns
Gold crowns offer an exceptional combination of durability and longevity. Made from a blend of gold and other metals, these crowns are renowned for their strength and resistance to wear. While they don't mimic the natural color of teeth, gold crowns are prized for their ability to withstand heavy chewing forces, making them an excellent choice for back molars.
Empress Crowns
Empress crowns are renowned for their superior aesthetics. They are made from a type of glass-ceramic that possesses a natural translucency, closely mimicking the look of your natural teeth. While they may not be as strong as zirconia or porcelain composite crowns, they offer unparalleled aesthetics, making them a popular choice for front teeth.