Crowns Specialist

What are Crowns?

A dental crown is a prosthetic covering for a tooth that is too badly damaged or decayed to be treated with a regular filling. Crowns are shaped to look like natural teeth and can be made of gold or porcelain. When made of porcelain, crowns can also be tinted to match the shade of the teeth next to it. These types of crowns are popular due to their natural appearance. Crowns are attached to a patient’s tooth with a durable bonding adhesive and are designed to be permanent fixtures. Crowns protect teeth from further damage as well as improve the appearance of the tooth if it has been broken, stained or chipped. Crowns are also often used with dental implants to replace missing teeth.

What damage can a crown correct?

Crowns can be utilized to:

• Protect a weak tooth
• Replace a large filling
• Secure a bridge
• Restore a stained tooth
• Correct the contours of a misshapen tooth
• Cover a tooth which has undergone a root canal
• Replace a missing tooth when used with an implant

When cared for properly, crowns can last for many years if not a lifetime. If an issue ever does arise, the dentist can repair or replace the crown.

How are crowns placed?

Crowns usually take two separate visits to be installed. At the first appointment, Dr. Hambarchian will file the tooth down. Or, if the tooth is damaged or broken, she will fill it to ensure it's strong enough to hold the crown. After the tooth is prepared, an impression will be made. A temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready. A dental lab will create a permanent crown using the impression of your tooth. The permanent crown will be secured during a second visit.

Are crowns hard to care for?

You can care for a crown like you care for your teeth, with regular brushing and flossing and routine visits to our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning. As with your natural teeth, you should avoid chewing on hard candy or ice to ensure the crown remains free of cracks and chips. With proper care, you can expect your crown to last for a decade or more.

*Information on this site is educational in nature and not intended to be a substitute for consultation by a dentist or professional dental care.