Dental Crowns
Tigard, OR
 Your teeth may be small, but they are incredibly strong. They can perform some different tasks and withstand a significant amount of daily wear and tear. While your teeth may be the strongest substance in your body, they can still be affected by damage and decay, which can both compromise their strength and leave them susceptible to infections. When damage occurs, treatment is needed right away. At Tigard Family Dental, we can provide treatment, restoring your oral health and the strength of your teeth, with dental crowns.
Effects of Untreated Damage
Damaged teeth need to be treated. Even if the damage does not seem all that significant at the time, it can gradually worsen. More significant damage can compromise the strength of the affected tooth, leaving it vulnerable to splitting or shattering. Damage can also allow bacteria into the inner layers of the damaged tooth, which can then lead to a painful tooth infection.
What is a Crown?
A crown is a type of dental restoration designed to treat damaged or decayed teeth. This particular restoration encases the entire visible surface of an affected tooth, effectively holding it together and preventing bacteria from getting inside. The crown also aids in restoring strength to the tooth, allowing it to function normally while preventing further harm.
Types of Crowns
There are a few different types of materials used for crowns. | • |
Metal crowns. Metal crowns have been in use the longest. The material is known for its unparalleled strength. With the ability to last 50 years or more, metal crowns are practically indestructible. They are, however, gold or silver in color, which makes them prominent in your mouth.
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Porcelain fused to metal crowns. Porcelain fused to metal crown combines the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. A metal base surrounds the tooth while a porcelain coating helps the crown to blend in better with the rest of your teeth. However, a metal line can often be seen through the porcelain at the base of the crown, which can give it away.
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Ceramic crowns. Ceramic crowns are made entirely of ceramic and are the most aesthetic option available. While not as strong as metal, ceramic can stand up to most normal daily use. The ceramic also mimics the color and light reflection properties of your natural tooth enamel, making it look just like the rest of your real teeth. |
The Process for Getting Your Crown
It typically requires two appointments for placing a crown. At the first appointment, the tooth is prepared. Done under a local anesthetic, we remove a portion of your tooth enamel, a process that makes your tooth smaller. This is necessary to ensure that your crown fits naturally in with the rest of your teeth. Next, we take an impression of your mouth, which is sent to our dental lab. The impression is used to design and create your customized crown. It can take up to two weeks for your crown to be completed, so a temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth until your next appointment. At your second appointment, we check your crown for fit and bite and bond it into place with special dental cement.
Benefits of a Crown
Crowns provide several benefits. | • |
They provide protection for the tooth, preventing further damage and infections.
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Strength is restored to your tooth and it can function normally again.
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The tooth can stay in its socket, preventing the need for an extraction.
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A crown can protect a tooth following a root canal treatment.
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Crowns are also used to anchor fixed bridges and cover implant screws. |
Call to schedule your consultation
When tooth damage occurs, even minor damage, it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information, and to find out if a crown is the right treatment for you, call Tigard Family Dental at (971) 762-1262 today.
Learn More About The Restorative Services We Provide:
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