Dr. Matthew L. Bridges fabricates dental crowns at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK for patients who need to restore a damaged or broken-down tooth.
Reinforce Function and Improve Your Smile with Dental Crowns
Teeth that are broken down or damaged by decay can be repaired with dental crowns. One of the most common restorative procedures, a crown can strengthen the natural structure of a tooth, resulting in a healthy, functional, and aesthetically-pleasing smile. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges places crowns as an optimal restorative solution. Providing high quality dental care is our priority at our Duncan, OK practice, also serving Comanche and Rush Springs.
What is a Dental Crown?
Sometimes called “caps”, dental crowns are tooth-shaped restorations that fit over your natural teeth to provide strength and stability. A dental crown restores a damaged tooth back to its original shape and size, reinforcing the structure and encouraging normal chewing function. Once cemented into place, a crown blends in with the rest of your smile for a seamless appearance.
When is a Dental Crown Necessary?
Dental crowns are used whenever there is a need to restore, cover, or reinforce a tooth. Though they are typically considered restorative treatment, crowns improve aesthetics as well. A dental crown may be recommended to:
- Reinforce a cracked tooth
- Protect a weak tooth
- Restore a broken or worn-down tooth
- Mask a discolored or misshapen tooth
- Restore a dental implant
Types of Dental Crowns
Because each patient is unique, different types of crowns may be recommended depending on the situation. Some of the materials we use at Chisholm Trail Smile Center include:
- All-Ceramic: The most common choice for many patients, all-ceramic crowns offer the most optimal aesthetics. Custom-made for each patient, ceramic crowns are color-matched for a natural appearance. These are a wonderful option for patients with metal allergies.
- Metal: The longest-lasting option, metal crowns are durable and resilient. Able to endure even the strongest chewing forces, metal crowns are not damaged easily. Because of their metallic color, many patients choose ceramic crowns over metal. However, they are a reliable option for back teeth that cannot be seen when you smile.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: Stronger than their all-ceramic counterparts, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are an excellent choice when optimal strength is desired. The metal base is covered with a tooth-colored porcelain for a beautifully aesthetic result. However, there is typically more wear and tear from opposing teeth with this type of crown. The underlying metal can begin to show through the porcelain in some instances.
- Zirconia: A biocompatible option, crowns made from zirconium are gentle to the gum tissue and integrate nicely with your surrounding teeth. Zirconia crowns are stronger than ceramic or porcelain crowns, but still offer a natural-looking appearance.
Receiving a Dental Crown
To determine if you need a dental crown, Dr. Bridges will examine your teeth and gums and take any necessary x-rays. If a crown is recommended, here are a few things you can expect during treatment at our practice:
- Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.
- Preparation: The damaged portions of the tooth, such as decay, must be removed. Once this is complete, Dr. Bridges will further shape your tooth, slightly reducing its size in preparation for your crown.
- Impressions: Once the tooth has been shaped, a mold will be taken of your mouth. The impressions will be sent to a trusted dental lab for the fabrication of your final crown.
- Temporary Crown: While we wait for your final restoration to arrive from the lab, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth in the meantime.
- Placement of Final Crown: Once the lab sends your crown back to our office, we will schedule you for an appointment. Dr. Bridges will check your bite and make sure the crown is fitting well. Any necessary adjustments will be made, and the crown will be cemented into place.