Crowns

When are crowns used in dentistry?

Getting a dental crown is a highly effective treatment in cosmetic dentistry to protect, strengthen, and correct existing teeth. Crowns can reshape the way a smile looks while preserving the function of natural teeth.

What can I expect when I get a crown?

Drs. Gordon and Brooks Green and Dr. Nichole Barnett will be here for you every step of the way as you get your crown. During an initial consultation — after we agree that a dental crown is best for your particular situation — we will examine your tooth and take highly accurate 3D digital impressions using our iTero Digital Impression System. This scanner offers a precise look at the area that will be receiving a crown — without the mess of regular dental putty. This impression will be sent to the dental lab so your crown can be custom made to fit. Meanwhile, we may treat the tooth that will be receiving the crown if it is in need of any preliminary procedures, such as a root canal or removing any damaged portions. We will send you home with a temporary crown to protect the tooth.

At your second visit, we will remove the temporary crown and attach your new permanent crown using cement. We will check with you to make sure the bite and shape look and feel natural, making any final minor adjustments. From there, you can care for your new crown by brushing and flossing regularly — just as you do with the rest of your teeth.

What is crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a treatment recommended when the existing tooth isn’t large or long enough to support a dental crown. With crown lengthening, you can still enjoy the benefits of a crown even on smaller teeth. Crown lengthening can also be an excellent cosmetic option to correct smiles that show more gum than usual.

In a crown lengthening procedure, we will use local anesthesia to ensure you stay comfortable the entire time. Prior to this treatment, we can also talk about sedation options. During the treatment itself, we will reduce your gum tissue and possibly remove some of your bone below the surface of the gum. Doing this will cause more of the tooth that is receiving the crown to emerge from the gum. That gives the crown more of a surface to cover and adhere to.

After the crown lengthening is complete, we will give you instructions on resting and taking care of the site of the treatment.