Crowns (you may also hear them called “caps”) are an effective solution to restore the form, function, and aesthetics of damaged or weakened teeth. Dr. Triplett sometimes refers to them as “hard hats for your teeth.” These custom-made tooth-shaped restorations cover the entire visible portion of a tooth, providing protection and strength while maintaining a natural appearance. Indications for dental crowns include:
- Large cavities or fillings that compromise tooth structure and stability
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Severe tooth wear or erosion
- Misshapen or discolored teeth
- Teeth treated with root canal therapy
Dr. Triplett carefully assesses each patient’s needs to determine the most suitable type of crown, considering factors such as the tooth’s location, function, and the patient’s aesthetic preferences. Crowns can be made from various materials, including tooth-colored ceramics like zirconia or lithium disilicate, as well as gold crowns. Each material offers unique benefits.
The dental crown procedure involves removing any decay and rebuilding and reshaping the tooth to accommodate the crown. A digital impression of the prepared tooth is taken using a scanner, and a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the final crown is being crafted. Once the custom crown is ready, Dr. Triplett will cement it into place, ensuring proper fit, comfort, and aesthetics.
Implant Crowns
Implant crowns are a specialized type of dental crown designed to replace missing teeth in combination with dental implants. A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant has successfully integrated with the bone, an implant crown is attached to the implant via an abutment, providing a natural-looking and functional tooth replacement.
Indications for implant crowns include:
- Single tooth replacement
- Multiple teeth replacement as part of an implant-supported bridge
- Full arch replacement in the form of implant-supported dentures
The primary advantage of implant crowns is that they offer a stable, long-lasting solution for tooth replacement without relying on adjacent teeth for support. This helps preserve the integrity of the surrounding teeth, contributing to overall oral health. Implant crowns also help maintain bone density in the jaw, preventing bone loss that can occur with missing teeth.
At Trident Smile Studio, our focus is on delivering exceptional dental crowns that restore your teeth’s functionality and enhance your smile’s aesthetics, ensuring that you can smile confidently and enjoy lasting oral health.