If one or more of the teeth in your smile has been damaged by chips or small fractures and you are interested in having it cosmetically restored. For some people dental veneers can improve imperfections in your smile. However, if one or more teeth have extensive damage in the enamel or past dental work your dentist at Kaitilin Riley DDS might recommend having the enamel layer of the tooth restored with a crown.
A crown essentially replaces the enamel layer of a tooth with an artificial material like gold, base metals or porcelain. The tooth’s primary function in your mouth and relationship to your smile, will determine the best materials to use for the crown.
The process begins by a dentist at Kaitilin Riley DDS examining the tooth and take a few x-rays to assess the extent of the damage. If the pulp or root of the tooth has been compromised the dentist might need to perform a root canal.
The dentist will then form an abutment to mount the crown, by removing the majority of the tooth enamel leaving behind a small amount to help protect the healthy interior of the tooth. Once this is done they will take an impression of the area, which is sent to a dental lab where your permanent crown is made. A temporary crown is then cemented over the abutment to protect it.
When the permanent crown is ready, Kaitilin Riley DDS will call you in for a brief second appointment. The temporary crown is removed and your new permanent crown will be cemented in place over the abutment.
If you have a tooth with chips or other imperfections in the enamel and you would like to have it restored with a crown please feel free to call Kaitilin Riley DDS at 805-238-3880 to schedule an appointment.
