San Antonio dentist, Dentist in San Antonio, TX

Crowns

Dental Crowns are restorations that cover most or all of a tooth. Nature provides a natural crown on every healthy tooth in the form of enamel. As long as natures crown can protect the tooth a dental crown is not necessary.

Many times due to general decay, fractured teeth, cracked fillings, or root canals, a tooth is no longer strong enough to function in a normal manner. If your tooth is "at risk" for further damage or even tooth loss Dr. Stanley will always discuss the advantages of a crown as a means of restoring it back to health. Reasons for this type of restoration in a badly damaged tooth are durability, cosmetic appearance, and overall support of the chewing function.

Types of Crowns

1.Ceramic or All Porcelain crowns have the most natural and life-like appearance. They transmit light very much like natural enamel and do not have "tell tale dark lines or shadows". These are used primarily on front teeth where appearance is crucial. Their strength is somewhat limited and are usually not best for restoring back teeth. However, new technology is increasing the durability of the "new dental ceramics" and soon we may be able to use them in every part of the mouth.

2. Porcelain Bonded to Gold (metal) crowns are the standard for teeth subjected to heavy biting forces that still retain a natural appearance due to the tooth colored porcelain. They have been used very successfully in dentistry for well over 20 years and are what I would choose personally for myself or a family member on back teeth.

3. Gold Crowns can provide maximum stregnth in a limited space and are still a very useful restoration, however they lack the natural appearance of ceramic or porcelain crowns.

Procedure

Crowns usually require two appointments to complete that are spaced 2-3 weeks apart. You will wear a temporary crown during that time and still be able to chew and function almost completely normally.

Treatment begins with the removal of all decay and old filling material in the tooth. Once we have completed the first step, a bonded build-up is always done to restore the tooth to maximum strength. We then precisely shape the tooth for the new crown and then take an impression of the tooth. Models of your mouth will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted. While this new crown is being created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration that will resemble your natural tooth so that you can continue on with your daily life.

During your second visit to the office we will place your final restoration. The new crown will be fitted comfortably into the mouth and we will make every effort to ensure that the new tooth feels exactly like one of your natural teeth. The final step in the process is to bond the crown onto your tooth leaving you with a restoration that will provide strength and natural appearance.