While advanced tooth decay is the most common reason why Dr. Mark Andrews recommends installing a crown, there are other reasons that could come into play. If one of your teeth is deeply chipped, cracked, or fractured, the enamel layer could be so compromised that it would invite future complications if it is not adequately restored.
A crown is basically a replacement of the enamel layer of an otherwise healthy tooth, with an artificial material like gold, base metals, or in the case of our crowns, porcelain. It often requires two separate appointments for our dentist to completely restore a tooth with a crown.
At the first appointment, your Mark Andrews, D.D.S.1 dentist will want to examine the tooth in question and take some X-rays. It’s important to make sure the sensitive internal structures of the tooth are healthy and that the problem is only limited to the enamel layer.
Dr. Mark Andrews will then numb the area with Novocaine before using his drill to remove the majority of the enamel layer. This leaves behind a small post known as an abutment, which will later serve to anchor your permanent crown.
The dentist will make an impression of the abutment and surrounding teeth, before covering the abutment with a hard plastic temporary crown. The impression will then be sent to a professional dental lab that will produce your permanent crown. The material used to make the crown will be determined by the tooth’s function in your mouth and appearance in your smile.
Later, when your new crown is ready, we will call you in for a brief second appointment. The temporary crown is removed and your new permanent crown is cemented in place.
If you have a decayed or damaged tooth and you would like to explore your restoration options, you should call Mark Andrews, D.D.S.1 at 425-821-8100 to schedule an appointment.