406-721-1067
619 SW Higgins Suite M
Missoula, MT 59803
front@scotterler.com
A dental crown is a tooth shaped cap that is cemented over a tooth. Crowns are used to hold weak, broken or cracked teeth together. They are also used to restore the strength of the tooth, change the shape and size of the tooth and improve its overall appearance. Special Crowns are used for the restoration of dental implants.
How many appointments will I need?
The dentist will require two dental visits to prep and cement the crown. First the dentist will need to prepare the tooth for the crown to be fitted over it. He will take an impression to send to the lab so that they can make the crown. The creating of a crown at the Dental Lab is a complex and exacting procedure. Think of each crown as a hand-made piece of jewelry.
What happens to the tooth when I wait for the crown to be made at the lab?
The patient will leave the office on the first appointment with a temporary crown. The second visit will be a couple weeks later when the crown is ready. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the new crown on to the tooth.
How long will the crown last me?
A crown will generally last five to ten years, and with good oral hygiene will last much longer.
Once the tooth is crowned can it still get a cavity?
Yes, if plaque is allowed to collect at the margin of the tooth, a cavity can begin. You still need to brush and floss a crowned tooth the same as all your other teeth. Also, maintain regular dental exams so your dentist can monitor crowns that you have.