Crowns can give an unattractive tooth back its beautiful shape and color. Because most people's teeth wear down over time possibly causing bite related issues, a crown can restore the natural size of the old tooth. Most crowns are needed because a tooth has decay that is too large for a filling alone. In this case, the crown strengthens the tooth to prevent the tooth/filling combination from cracking or chipping. Crowns are always required after an initial root canal treatment. A crown procedure typically takes two visit; the first to prep the tooth and the second to seat it. The crowns Dr. Elliott uses the most are porcelain fired to a metal substructure (PFM), all porcelain, or Zirconia.

To place a crown, the dentist must first reduce 1-2 mm of the tooth to make room for it. Next, your gums will be temporarily retracted so that when the impression is taken, the lab will know how long to make the crown and get an intimate fit with the gums. After the gums are ready an impression and bite record is taken. Lastly a shade is recorded and temporary crown is made and seated. The temporary crown is not meant to last and if left in the mouth too long, can break away leaving the tooth exposed resulting in decay. You will now leave the office and typically not return for three weeks. The reason there is a long time between visits is because the crown is sent to a lab that custom makes the crown for your mouth to ensure a great fit. At the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and test the permanent one making sure no adjustments are needed as well as the shade matches the surrounding teeth. Once the crown is ready, it's cemented to your tooth. It is strongly advised to wait 48 hours before eating anything sticky or chewy to allow the adhesive to fully cure.