Dental Crowns and Dental BridgesLos Angeles, CA

How Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Work

Crowns can be attached to an implant. The post of the implant, placed within the jawbone, replaces the roots of the tooth. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, this is a popular procedure in which the number of implant-supported crowns placed each year reaches 2.3 million. A crown over an implant can also serve as support for a dental bridge in the absence of natural teeth in the necessary location.

Several types of crowns vary by material. Common materials for dental crowns include porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, metal, and resin. Metals are typically alloys, which have the advantage of durability but the disadvantage of a conspicuous appearance. Due to this, dentists may use them for molars that are not visible. Porcelain and ceramic materials offer more accurate color matching; however, porcelain fused to metal can offer better wear. Recently, zirconium, a type of ceramic, has become a popular material due to its aesthetic qualities. A study review in the International Journal of Prosthodontics suggests that zirconium may provide a level of durability similar to that of metal-based porcelain.

Preparing for a Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

Patients who opt for a dental crown first need an appointment to prepare the tooth. Our dentist must make sure that the roots are in good shape. If X-rays and other examinations reveal decay or infection, a root canal may be necessary. The other preparation steps include the following:

• Shaping the tooth. If the tooth's surface is mostly intact, the dentist removes some of the surfaces and sides by filing them down, which is usually done under local anesthetic. On the other hand, if there is not a lot of the tooth left, the dentist may need to use filling material to build it up instead.
• Taking impressions. Once the tooth is the right shape and size, our team takes an impression of the mouth using dental putty. An impression of both jaws is necessary to situate the crown and ensure correct bite alignment properly. The impression is sent to the dental lab to create a mold for making the crown.
• Making a temporary crown. It usually takes the dental lab about two or three weeks to make the permanent crown. In the meantime, our dentist creates a temporary crown from acrylic. It is attached with temporary cement and shields the tooth until the permanent crown can be placed.

Receiving a Dental Crown Step-by-Step

It may take a few appointments for a patient to receive a crown. In many cases, the dental crown procedure is part of another dental treatment plan, such as a root canal. Here is the step-by-step process for getting a dental crown:

• Before the Crown. The dentist treats any problems before starting the dental crown creation process. Any infections or cavities must be addressed or filled. Sometimes, an old crown needs replacement. In this case, the dentist will remove the remnants first.
• Preparation. Next, the dentist must prepare the tooth for the crown. The dentist or another member of our team will shave down the tooth to make room for the crown. Then, the dental staff makes a series of impressions to send to the lab. Some patients receive a temporary crown at the end of this appointment.
• Crown Delivery. Once the crown is ready for delivery, the patient must return to the office for placement. First, the dentist tries on the crown to make sure it feels and looks right in the mouth. If it fits correctly, the dentist uses dental cement to glue it in place permanently.

Types of Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

There are many different materials used in dental crowns, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, composite resin, or a combination of materials. The type of crown depends largely on the patient's case, condition, treatment type, and current oral health status. Patients are often able to choose the type of crown they prefer if their condition permits.

Dental crowns are often used to replace a tooth after an extraction, root canal, implant procedure, or other treatment. After an evaluation, we are able to determine the type of crown to best fit the patient's case. Consult our team with questions about our dental crown services and the types of crowns that could be suitable for your condition.