Rebuild your teeth, complete your smile with versatile dental crowns in Battle Creek, MI
Dental crowns are one of the most versatile options that modern dentistry has to offer to restore the smile’s health, function, and appearance. And at Earl E. Gaball, DDS, we are pleased to offer so many options for treatment with crowns. Along with the rest of the team, Dr. Gaball emphasizes close relationships built on routine visits. These visits help to proactively detect problems that threaten the health of your teeth and gums. In this manner, we can intervene early with enamel erosion or gum inflammation before restorative treatments such as crowns are needed to resolve tooth decay.
Crowns
The “crown” is the white, visible part of the tooth above the gumline. This natural tooth structure can be damaged as a result of tooth decay or other trauma. When this happens, we can rebuild the portion of the tooth that is damaged. Dr. Gaball may replicate the natural crown with a range of dental materials, including gold, porcelain, or a combination of dental ceramics and metal alloys (PFM – Porcelain Fused to Metal). We are happy to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material to determine the best option for your situation and needs. Once the crown is precisely made to your specifications in a lab, Dr. Gaball places it on top of the natural tooth, “prepared,” and reduced to “accept” the crown. It is then cemented or fixed securely in place.
The process
As with all treatments, dental crowns start with our team compiling information about your mouth. We will take digital x-rays of your teeth, gums, and neighboring structures. If it is determined that a full-coverage crown is most appropriate for you, a model of the tooth to be restored will be made from an impression. This model is used as a guide for the lab professional who will make your permanent crown. While the crown is being created, you will generally wear a temporary crown to protect the treatment site. The “site” has been prepared for the crown, by removing damaged or diseased tissue and by reducing the tooth. So, the crown fits well over the natural tooth structure. It takes around two weeks for crowns to be made, at which time you return to our office. Dr. Gaball removes the temporary and checks that the permanent looks and feels perfect before securing it to your tooth. Smile!
Alternatives
Crowns commonly follow root canal therapy when deep decay is present. Root canal treatment may be the only way to preserve the tooth. The crown represents the finishing touch! Crowns are also necessary parts of tooth replacement; for instance, in many conventional dental bridges, at least two crowns are needed to support the pontic or replacement tooth. When the crowns and bridges are fused and bonded to the natural, neighboring teeth, this three-piece unit effectively fills the gap and completes your smile.
Care for your crowned teeth like you would natural, unaltered teeth – with consistent oral hygiene at home and our office (routine check-ups and professional cleanings). Contact us today at (269) 883-1674 to schedule your appointment at our office in Battle Creek.