Dental Crowns in Fitchburg, MA

The placement of a crown is a precision procedure. Several steps are involved, and at least two dental visits usually are necessary for completion. The dentist will prepare the tooth by removing its outer portion to accommodate the thickness of the crown. 11 the tooth has a filling, part of the material may be left in place to serve as a foundation for the crown. An impression will provide an exact model of the prepared tooth. Your dentist or a dental laboratory technician, following the written instruction of the dentist, will then make the crown from the model.

"Temporary" crowns are placed while the permanent crown is made. If the shapes or lengths of your teeth are changed for cosmetic purposes, temporary crowns will allow you to become accustomed to these changes. Temporary crowns also can help you decide if you like what you see or if there are any changes you would like made before the finished crowns are placed.

When the finished crown is ready, the dentist puts it in place and makes necessary adjustments. To see how your crown will look, you can use a large mirror held at arms' length in various types of lighting. When you and your dentist are satisfied with its appearance, the crown will be cemented in place.

When you have crowns, it is especially important to brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily with floss or other interdental cleaners. Brushing and flossing remove a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Be sure to remove plaque from the area where the gum meets the tooth (the sulcus). When plaque accumulates in the sulcus, it can cause dental decay or gum disease. To prevent damaging or fracturing the crowns, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects. It also is important to visit your dentist regularly.

Your dentist's main goal is to create crowns that look like natural teeth and feel comfortable. To achieve this, a number of factors are considered. These include the color, occlusion or "bite," shape and length of both your natural teeth and your artificial crown. Anyone of these factors alone can significantly affect your appearance.

Although your dentist may be able to accommodate your request for a particular esthetic effect, your first choice may not be possible due to technical limitations or oral health concerns. If you have a certain look in mind for your crown, discuss it with your dentist at your initial visit. When the procedure is complete, your teeth may not only be stronger, they may be the most attractive feature of your face - your crowning glory.