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Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover and protect damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth, restoring their shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crafted from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination, crowns are designed to match the natural teeth. They are needed when a tooth is severely decayed, cracked, or worn down, to support a tooth with a large filling after a root canal treatment, to hold a dental bridge in place, or to enhance the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth. Dental crowns improve the functionality and aesthetics of a patient's smile by providing essential protection and durability. 

Who Can Benefit from Dental Crowns? 

• Individuals with severely decayed teeth that cannot be restored with a filling. 

• Those with cracked or fractured teeth need reinforcement and protection. 

• People with weakened teeth due to large fillings or root canal treatments. 

• Patients with misshapen or discolored teeth seek aesthetic enhancement. 

• Individuals are requiring support for dental bridges to replace missing teeth. 

• Those with dental implants need a crown to complete the restoration. 

• People experience tooth wear from bruxism or acid erosion. 

The Dental Crown Procedure 

The process begins with a comprehensive dental examination, including X-rays, to assess the extent of the tooth damage or decay. Our dentist in Aiea, HI, will evaluate the need for a crown and discuss the treatment plan, including the type of crown material that best suits your needs. 

Our dentist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic to prepare the tooth for a crown. Then, the tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown. This involves removing a portion of the outer tooth structure to ensure the crown fits snugly and comfortably over the remaining tooth. 

After reshaping the tooth, our dentist will take impressions of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. These impressions are essential for creating a custom-fit crown that matches your natural teeth' shape, size, and bite. In some cases, digital scans may be used instead of traditional impressions. 

While the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain its function and appearance. This temporary crown is usually made from acrylic or composite resin and is secured with temporary cement. 

The impressions or digital scans are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians create the permanent crown. The crown is meticulously crafted from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination, based on the chosen type and the dentist's specifications. This process typically takes two to three weeks. 

Once the permanent crown is ready, you return to the dentist for the final placement. The temporary crown is removed, and the dentist checks the fit and color of the permanent crown. Adjustments are made as necessary to ensure a perfect fit. 

A solid dental adhesive cements The permanent crown onto the prepared tooth. Our dentist ensures the crown is securely bonded and fits comfortably with your bite. A special curing light may harden the adhesive and set the crown in place. 

After the crown is bonded, our dentist makes any final adjustments to ensure proper bite alignment and comfort. The crown is polished to achieve a smooth, natural-looking finish that blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Our dentist will provide instructions on caring for your new crown, including proper oral hygiene practices and any precautions. Regular dental check-ups are recommended to monitor the crown and ensure it remains in good condition. With proper care, dental crowns can last many years, providing durable protection and restoring the function and appearance of your tooth. Contact us today to learn more.

The Advantages of Dental Crowns 

Restoring Tooth Function 

Dental crowns restore the normal function of damaged or weakened teeth, allowing you to chew and speak properly. By covering and protecting compromised teeth, crowns enable you to eat a wide variety of foods without discomfort or difficulty. 

Strengthening Weakened Teeth 

Teeth that are cracked, fractured, or weakened by decay can be effectively strengthened with crowns. The crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing structural support and preventing further damage or breakage. 

Enhancing Aesthetic Appearance 

Crowns can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth and overall smile. They are custom-made to match your natural teeth' color, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result. Crowns can cover discolorations, misshapen teeth, and other cosmetic imperfections, giving you a more attractive smile. 

Protecting Root-Canal Treated Teeth 

Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are often more susceptible to fractures. Placing a crown over a root-canaled tooth provides essential protection, reducing the risk of damage and extending the tooth's longevity. 

Supporting Dental Bridges 

Crowns play a crucial role in supporting dental bridges, which replace missing teeth. Crowns are placed on the adjacent teeth (abutment teeth) to anchor the bridge securely in place, restoring the function and appearance of your smile. 

Covering Dental Implants 

Dental crowns Aiea, HI, are commonly used to cover dental implants. The crown is attached to the implant post, creating a natural-looking and fully functional replacement for a missing tooth. This helps maintain your jawbone's integrity and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting. 

Preventing Tooth Wear and Erosion 

Crowns can benefit teeth worn down due to bruxism (teeth grinding) or acid erosion. The protective cap shields the tooth from further wear and helps distribute biting forces evenly, reducing stress on the affected teeth. 

Boosting Self-Confidence 

A healthy, attractive smile can significantly boost your self-confidence and improve your overall quality of life. Crowns help you feel more comfortable and confident in social and professional interactions, enhancing your overall well-being. 

The dental crown procedure is a meticulous process designed to restore damaged teeth' strength, function, and appearance. Visit Cory L. Crouse DMD LLC at 99-128 Aiea Heights #603, Aiea, HI 96701, or call 808-487-3033 to determine if dental crowns are the right option to maintain your oral health and achieve your dental goals.