Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry

Crowns

Most people will experience damage to the surface (enamel) of their teeth at some point. Teeth become cracked, chipped or discolored due to a large range of causes, from severe trauma to the natural effects of day-to-day wear.

When decay or damage to the surface of a tooth becomes significant, the tooth can be reduced and a custom-made tooth bonded or cemented to its surface. This restoration is called a "crown." Our porcelain crowns are fashioned in a dental laboratory by trained technicians to provide the same strength and appearance as a healthy tooth. The color of the crown is carefully matched using digital photography and microscopes to the color of your surrounding teeth.

When damage to the tooth extends to the foundation (root) of the tooth, a bridge or dental implant may be a better solution. Dr. Hanchett will discuss your options for restorations with you after an initial examination.

Procedure

First, Dr. Hanchett will remove any decay and shape your tooth to receive a crown. The crown must be thick enough to withstand chewing forces, which means that the natural tooth below the crown must be reduced.

He will then take an impression of your tooth and note how your teeth fit together. You will then be fitted with a temporary crown while the permanent one is constructed in a dental lab.

On a second visit, your temporary crown will be taken off and the fit of the new crown carefully checked. The final crown is then bonded or cemented in place, restoring the tooth to its natural strength, appearance and function.