Dental crowns are custom-fitted caps that cover damaged teeth and restore their shape, strength, and appearance. They are available in a variety of materials including porcelain & ceramic, metal-alloys and ceramic-on-metal.
They are also used in bridgework to replace missing teeth. The two healthy teeth on either side of the gap are crowned, and they anchor the third tooth that spans the space in between them, called a pontic.
Tooth Pain
A small crack in a tooth can cause pain because bacteria can penetrate the inner chamber and result in an infection. Addressing these small fractures is essential to prevent the infection from worsening.
Unlike veneers which enhance the appearance of teeth, dental crowns Pittsburgh PA completely cover a damaged tooth and restore its shape, strength and appearance. They can also help to strengthen a weak or cracked tooth and protect it from future damage. Crowns can be made from porcelain or ceramic and are designed to match the color of surrounding teeth.
During the crown procedure we will numb the area using local anesthetic and then carefully reshape it to match the shape of your existing teeth. A mold will be taken and sent to a laboratory so that your new crown can be crafted to fit in seamlessly. After your crown has been created you will be scheduled to return to our office so that we can cement it into place.
Dental Emergencies
If you have a dental emergency like severe tooth pain or a knocked out tooth, you need to take immediate action. Gently rinsing your mouth with saline or salty water can help remove any visible debris or blood. Taking first aid steps can also provide temporary relief until you are able to seek professional care.
A crown is a cap that your dentist places over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance. It can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and metal. Metal crowns are more durable and are best suited for back molars since they rarely show.
The crown procedure typically involves two appointments spaced a few weeks apart. During the first visit, your dentist will trim down your existing tooth to prepare it for the crown. An impression will then be taken of your teeth and mouth and sent to a lab. These impressions are what will create the dental crown.
Root Canals
If you have tooth pain, especially sensitivity to hot or cold, it could be caused by infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth. A root canal procedure (also known as endodontic treatment) removes the damaged tissue, relieves your pain and saves your tooth.
They use a local anesthetic to numb the area and keep you comfortable while they work. Next, they drill a hole through the crown (flat part at the top of your tooth) to access the soft tissue in the centre — called pulp. They remove the dead pulp, clean and disinfect the empty space and fill it with a rubber-like dental material called gutta-percha.
Your dentist will place a temporary crown to protect the repaired tooth until your permanent one is ready. Once you have your new crown, you can treat it as you would any other tooth with regular brushing and flossing. However, it’s important to remember that your restored tooth is more brittle than a natural tooth and may require additional preventive care.
Dental Bridges
The gaps caused by missing teeth can be filled with dental bridges. These are a treatment option for patients who want to restore both cosmetics and function and reduce the risk of tooth loss.
The type of dental bridge a patient receives will depend on their needs and the condition of their existing teeth. The most common are traditional fixed bridges. These are used to replace one or more missing teeth and consist of abutment teeth (natural teeth on either side of the gap) that have dental crowns Pittsburgh PA placed on them that support one or more fake teeth, called pontic teeth.
In order to place a dental bridge, we will need to prepare the healthy abutment teeth by removing a portion of their enamel and dentin. This process is usually done using a local anesthetic. After the abutment teeth have been prepared, impressions will be taken to create a custom-fitted dental bridge that is then cemented in place.