Our Wasilla, AK practice offers dental crown treatment for natural-looking restorations to maintain your bright, full smile. If you have experienced recent damage or decay, Dr. Jason M. Lane may recommend a dental crown during your course of treatment. Below, we’ll help you understand just what this commonly-performed dental restoration is, and what to expect during your appointments with Dr. Lane.
If you have additional questions, or would simply like to schedule your next appointment, don’t hesitate to give us a call! You can reach a member of our team at (907) 373-2200, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are aesthetic restorations used to protect a weakened or injured tooth when fillings or dental bonding won’t suffice. Dental crowns are the recommended treatment for more advanced forms of decay or damage to natural teeth. A crown covers the entire visible area of a tooth above the gum line, acting as a cap over the vulnerable natural tooth. A powerful dental bonding agent prevents harmful bacteria or other material from entering and causing infection or inflammation.
Crowns used in modern dentistry are created from medical-grade ceramics and are superior at protecting your damaged tooth for multiple reasons:
- Porcelain crowns provide a sure fitto prevent food debris or bacteria from invading the pulp or inner layers of the natural tooth.
- Medical-grade ceramic is extremely durable, holding up to a lifetime of tooth activity while allowing the natural appearance of glossy, white enamel.
- Porcelain is hypoallergenic, which puts patients with allergies at peace, knowing allergicreactions or hyper-sensitivity common with metal crowns will not impact their health.
When would I need one?
Dental crowns are most commonly used to repair severe tooth decay, when fillings or dental bonding are not enough. Additionally, teeth that have undergone trauma, or other injuries such as fractures or chips may require a crown to prevent root canal therapy or extraction in the future. Often, when root canal therapy is needed, your dentist will place a porcelain crown on the affected tooth to maintain its natural, unrestored aesthetic. In addition, porcelain crowns are attached to abutments on top of dental implants to provide the artificial crown as part of a tooth replacement treatment.
What can I expect?
Typically, at least two appointments are needed to complete your dental crown treatment. At the first visit, Dr. Lane will provide a thorough examination of the affected tooth, ensuring the tooth is ready for dental crown restoration. He will also check for evidence of infection, inflammation, and periodontal disease. If the tooth needs no further restorative treatment, Dr. Lane will take impressions to aid in fabricating the permanent crown. The natural tooth is prepped for a porcelain crown by removing parts of the outer layers and shaping it to fit snugly within the permanent crown. After this is completed, a temporary cap is placed until the permanent crown is completed by a dental ceramicist.
Once the crown is completed, your second appointment involves bonding it to the natural tooth. The temporary crown is removed by Dr. Lane, and final shaping for the permanent crown begins. Afterwards, a dental cement is applied within the crown, as well as a permanent bonding agent along the natural gum line. The crown is placed and sealed to the tooth. Final tweaks to the shape of the outer crown gives you a comfortable bite and ensures the crown fits naturally around your other teeth.
How do I receive a dental crown in Wasilla, AK?
It’s easy! If you’re ready for the benefits of a restored tooth from dental crown treatment, contact our Wasilla, AK practice at (907) 373-2200 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jason M. Lane.
