Smile-Maintaining Dentistry

Dental Crowns

When damage to your teeth is extreme, and apparently beyond repair, Dr. Finney  can use porcelain crowns to make your smile appear new.   Crowns are used for a long-lasting correction of major dental problems.

What are  Reasons for Needing a Crown?

  • Hairline cracks in back teeth from large fillings.  The fracture spreads through the tooth, resulting in a broken tooth or need for root canal treatment. 
  • Weakened front teeth and appearance problems from older fillings.  Older fillings in front teeth can chip or stain, resulting in a discolored or misshaped tooth. 
  • Need to cover a larger area than a veneer.  Veneers are often used for small discolorations or chipped or broken teeth.
  • Prevents tooth from breaking if it has had a root canal.  A crown strengthens your tooth.
  • Permanently replaces missing teeth if supported by an implant.  This will complete a smile and restore a functional bite. 

We Offer Two Types of Crowns:

One Visit Porcelain Crown (CEREC):  By using our computerized CEREC system, high definition digital pictures are taken of your tooth after it has been prepared for the crown.  We make your crown while you wait (about 40 minutes).  The finished crown is then adjusted and cemented on your tooth. For more information see One Visit Porcelain Crown (CEREC).
 
Crown Made by a Dental Lab:  Two appointments are needed for these crowns.  The first appointment is for shaping the tooth and taking an impression.  A temporary crown is placed at this visit. The second appointment is approximately 2 weeks later for the final fitting and cementing. 

Key Benefits of Dental Crowns

  • Replaces missing teeth when supported by an implant 
  • Offers support to chipped, misshaped or badly broken teeth
  • Looks completely natural
  • Fixes "smile" and functional chewing problems

How Do I Care for my Crown?

For care of your crown, please see  Crowns under Home Instructions.