If you have a large cavity, cracked or broken tooth, or need a root canal, Dr. Hoop may recommend restoring it with a dental crown. These deluxe fillings allow you to keep the underlying structure of your natural tooth in place but provide protection to the exterior to prevent further damage and still allow you to use your tooth to chew a wide variety of foods.
A dental crown is a tooth restoration customized from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. It fits over an existing tooth that is damaged due to cracking or breaking, or that has an infection or significant decay.
You are a good candidate for a dental crown if the underlying structure of your tooth is healthy, but the enamel has a large enough portion of damage that it must be fully covered to stay intact.
Getting a dental crown is an easy process that can usually be completed in two visits to Dr. Hoop. First, he will make impressions of your damaged tooth to send to the lab to customize your restoration. Next, he will remove the damaged portion of your tooth. A temporary crown will be fashioned to protect your remaining tooth while you wait for the finished product to be manufactured. Once it is ready, it will be sent back from the lab, and you will be scheduled to return to Total Dental Solutions to have it cemented into place. Once attached, your crown will be ready for use, and you can return to your regular activities without the need for delays or downtime.
Dental crowns can be made of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Dr. Hoop will discuss both options with you and help you decide which option is best for your individual needs. Typically, crowns take about two weeks to be crafted at the dental lab, so Dr. Hoop will schedule you to return to have your permanent crown placed once it arrives.
If you have a decayed, broken, or infected tooth, failure to protect it against further damage can cause problems to worsen. A dental crown can benefit a damaged tooth in many ways, including: