Crowns

What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns are sometimes called caps because they completely cover a tooth like a cap covers your head. At GEMS Dental, Dr. Saliba provides crowns to both protect weak or damaged teeth and to cover unattractive or asymmetrical teeth. In most cases, Dr. Saliba installs crowns made of porcelain over metal. The metal provides strength and durability, while the porcelain offers a natural appearance that can also be customized to fit in with the surrounding teeth.

When are dental crowns used?

At GEMS Dental, Dr. Saliba uses crowns for both aesthetic and restorative purposes. For example, he may apply a crown to improve the appearance of an oddly shaped or sized tooth or to cover deep interior staining that doesn't lighten with topical whitening treatments.

He also applies dental crowns to repair broken, cracked, or chipped teeth. Dr. Saliba may also fit you with a crown after a root canal treatment or to protect and preserve teeth weakened by severe decay. For example, if you have an old filling that is no longer protecting your tooth, Dr. Saliba may fit a crown over it.

How are crowns applied?

Dr. Saliba usually fits customized dental crowns in two dental appointments. During the first appointment, Dr. Saliba examines your teeth to determine if a crown is the best treatment to meet your needs. He begins preparing your tooth for the crown by removing a thin layer of tooth enamel so the crown will fully cover your tooth and fit flush against the neighboring teeth.

Then, Dr. Saliba takes pictures and a mold of your tooth. He sends the mold and the images to a dental lab, where your permanent crown is custom-made for you. The first appointment ends with Dr. Saliba fitting a temporary crown to protect your teeth while you wait for your permanent crown.

When your crown is ready, Dr. Saliba schedules your second appointment. He removes your temporary crown and replaces it with your permanent custom-made crown.  Dr. Saliba checks the fit and your bite before permanently bonding the crown to your tooth.

How should I care for my crown?

You don't need to do anything special to take care of a dental crown. Simply brush for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day. While dental crowns are resistant to decay, you still need to have regular dental checkups and professional cleanings so Dr. Saliba can monitor your oral health and take care of your natural teeth.

Call GEMS Dental or schedule an appointment online today.