When Dr. Madhuri Vanama of Discovery Dental recommends a tooth crown, many patients feel confused about what this means. “What is a crown on a tooth?” is a common question that she hears. A dental crown helps to preserve a tooth in case of accidental trauma or serious tooth decay. In some cases, dental crowns may be purely cosmetic to improve how a patient’s smile appears. The following are typical situations in which a dental crown may be the most appropriate treatment:Dr. Madhuri Vanama

1. To close a large gap between teeth 2. When one or more of your teeth has a chip, crack, or stain that is unsightly to you 3. As an alternative to orthodontic treatment in cases of minor teeth misalignment 4. To strengthen a tooth after a root canal 5. As support for dental bridges

How Dr. Vanama Places a Dental Crown After identifying which of your teeth needs a dental crown, Dr. Vanama may need to remove a small amount of enamel to make sure that it will fit properly. She also needs to take an impression of your teeth with dental putty. It takes just a few minutes for the putty to harden and create an impression. Once this step is complete, Dr. Vanama removes it from your mouth and places it in a sealed container.

From there, your impressions go to our dental laboratory so a technician can create your customized dental crown. After your crown is complete, you need to return to Discovery Dental for a second appointment so Dr. Vanama can place it on the affected tooth. To start the process, she coats your tooth with an adhesive and then puts the crown over it. She uses a curing light to force the adhesive to harden and allow your crown will remain in place.

Before you leave the appointment, one of her assistants will go over how to care for your new dental crown at home. Your crown should last up to 10 years as long as you make your oral health a priority. Please contact us to learn more about dental crowns or other cosmetic and restorative dentistry options.