Crowns As we get a little older, our teeth are susceptible to fracture. AS we age the teeth become more brittle as the pulpal tissues become less prominent in our teeth. Our teeth may have had multiple fillings placed in them over their lifetime. We may have developed bad oral habits such as ice chewing or cracking nuts with our teeth. We may be in an truamatic accident or fall that damages our teeth. If your tooth is beyond repair with simply an intracoronal filling material, Dr. Wienman may recommend that the best viable option to save the tooth is a full crown. Think about a crown being like a thimble-something that covers the entire tooth, protecting it from harm. The reasons for this type of restoration in a badly damaged tooth are durability, cosmetic appearance, and overall support of the chewing function. If Dr. Wineman decides you are in need of a full crown, there are a few different options for you to consider. These options include a all ceramic/porcelain crown, a porcelain fused to precious metal/gold crown, or a full gold crown. As always, Dr. Wineman will recommend which one is best you remain in control as to the final decision. You can be comfortable in knowing that your new tooth will be virtually unnoticeable and will blend in with the rest of your smile. Types of Crowns
Procedure After numbing the tooth and surroundning gum tissue, Dr. Wineman will use a handpiece to shape the tooth so that an impression can be made and sent to our local dental lab where your artificial tooth is custom made especially for you. Occasionally the tooth/teeth must first be built up prior to it being shaped. The build up is necessary to (1) make the tooth longer so that it is more retentive (the crown stays on better ) or (2) replace tooth structure that required removal because it was decayed or (3) insure the foundational restoration under the crown is structurally sound. Should this step be required (and which costs you an additional fee) Dr. Wineman will tell you. After Dr. Wineman is satisfied with his preparation of the tooth, one of the dental assistants will place a small piece of retraction cord around each prepared tooth. After a few minutes this cord is removed and the impression material is syringed into this space to record the interface between natural tooth and the crown preparation. Immediately after placing the material around the tooth a closed mouth impression will then be made (takes about 5 minutes) to send to the dental lab. Usually the dental assistant will make a temporary crown or bridge to cover the teeth between the preparation appointment and when you return for the seating of your new crown or bridge. We will make you an appointment to return in about 2 weeks Infrequently a tooth that was never sensitive can become extremely sensitive to hots/colds and perhaps biting pressure after it is prepared for a bridge abutment. Should this happen please alert the @DENTAL team. If these symptoms do not disappear during the 2 weeks you are waiting for the bridge to return from the dental laboratory, root canal therapy may be needed to save the offending tooth. We will always ask you prior to preparing a tooth has it ever been sore/sensitive (experience discomfort for more than a few minutes, pain that prevents you from sleeping, sudden sharp onset of pain/discomfort for no apparent reason). Our patients are always asked to participate in the color selection for their new restoration. The dental team will do its best to match the color and characteristics of the teeth we restore. Please remember that certain teeth, especially those with discoloration or other peculiarities, may be difficult to match exactly. We use a premier local dental laboratory that will allow the patient to visit the lab so the technician/ceramist can create the custom shade required especially for you. This extra step, which costs you nothing, may be needed to insure you are delighted and satisfied with your new bridge. Prior to cementing the new crown(s) Dr. Wineman will ensure the fit is precise, the bite feels fine to you and you have had the opportunity to see and approve the final appearance. Dr. Wineman will cement the final restoration with your appoval. One of his assistants will clean off the excess cement and go over the normal post op instructions with you prior to leaving the office |
Services
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@DENTAL, the office of Dr. Wineman |
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General ~ Cosmetic ~ Restorative ~ Preventive |
702-270-4800 |
