While you might expect your dentist to suggest a filling for a severely decayed tooth, a filling may not be enough to repair the damage. Dr. Ben Sutter can use dental crowns in Eugene to not only address the problem, but also give you a seamless, beautiful smile. Read on below to learn more about what crowns are, what is involved in the treatment process, and how this restorative procedure can benefit you.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering or “cap” that we bond onto your natural tooth. Whether it is injured or decayed, the crown can protect your tooth from additional damage. Some reasons you might need a crown include:
Dental crowns can be made of a variety of materials, including ceramic/porcelain, metal alloys, and gold. Dr. Sutter prefers to use porcelain due to its natural appearance.
The process of placing and designing a crown usually takes at least two appointments. At the first appointment, your dentist in Eugene will prepare your tooth. Typically, this involves removing some enamel so the crown will fit in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Next, our team will take some impressions of your prepared tooth and the nearby dentition.
A laboratory will use the impressions, along with detailed notes from Dr. Sutter, to fabricate your permanent crown. In the meantime, you will wear a temporary restoration. Once your permanent crown is ready, you will return to our office so we can verify its fit before we bond it onto your tooth.