Tooth crowns, also called dental crowns, are placed over teeth that have been weakened due to trauma, infection and decay, or malformation. Sometimes called “caps,” dental crowns are often used in conjunction with other services, such as a root canal, to allow natural teeth to remain in place while reducing future damage. The tooth crowns placed at our Houston office have the additional benefit of being shaped, sized, and shaded to fit naturally into your smile.
Because they can be customized, tooth crowns are often used in conjunction with dental implants to replace missing teeth. When used in this manner, crowns are screwed onto an abutment that is held fast in place by the jaw. This enables dental implants to restore both appearance and function with a restoration that is built to last.
Benefits of Tooth Crowns
Dental crowns protect damaged teeth and replace teeth that have gone missing, making them a versatile cosmetic and general dentistry option. What’s more, tooth crowns are customized to look and feel like dental enamel, allowing them to fit seamlessly into the smile. However, these are not the only benefits offered by this restoration.
Dental crowns are durable. Made of porcelain, crowns are both impact and stain resistant, enabling them to serve all of the functions of natural teeth without risk of damage. In instances where a crown becomes chipped or cracked, replacement is a breeze as well, requiring only that you come in for an examination to make sure no additional problems have arisen since the original crown was placed.
Ease of replacement and durability are two benefits offered by tooth crowns. Ease of care is another. Dental crowns get brushed and flossed like natural teeth. That is all it takes to care for them. However, it is best to avoid abrasive toothpaste as this can scratch and damage certain restorations. Dr. Konig may also warn against certain mouthwashes that can impact tooth crown longevity. Care instructions will be provided during the placement of your crown and can be revisited each time you come to our office if you have questions or concerns.
Dental Crown Process
The process for placing a tooth crown requires two visits to our office. During your first visit, Dr. Konig will prepare your teeth and make an impression of your smile from which to craft the dental crown. This impression is then sent to our trusted dental restorations lab where your crown will be carefully crafted to Dr. Konig’s exact specifications. While your customized crown is being fabricated, you will be fitted with a temporary crown.
Once your unique tooth crown has been delivered to our office, you will return to have it placed. If you are having a crown placed over an implant, it will be secured via screw. If your crown is covering a natural tooth, it will be cemented into place with a special dental bonding. In both instances, your crown, once placed, will be ready to tackle all of the duties your natural teeth perform.
If your smile is marred by missing teeth or if you have teeth that have been worn down, broken, or otherwise damaged, call Ronald W. Konig, DDS, FAGD, LVIF, FIAPA at 713-668-2289 to schedule your tooth crown consultation today. Located in Houston, Dr. Konig serves Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, and surrounding Texas communities.
