Dental Crowns
Cosmetic Dentistry in Edmonton, Alberta
If the functionality of your tooth is compromised due to extensive damage, dental crowns are a viable solution to restore your smile. A dental crown is essentially a cap that encases a damaged tooth, preventing it from further damage and decay while simultaneously masking drastic discolouration.
Candidacy for Dental Crowns
While Porcelain Veneers are adequate in preventing further tooth damage and restoring smile cosmetics for milder cases, for some patients, dental crowns are the only viable option due to:
- Periodontal disease, which automatically disqualifies a patient from receiving porcelain veneers
- Substantial tooth decay and damage, requiring a fortified foundation around a tooth
- Tooth grinding or jaw clenching
- A patient desiring significant shape change
- A tooth having undergone a root canal
- A lack of adequate tooth structure for a dental composite filling
- The need of additional support for a Dental Bridge
The Dental Crown Procedure
While more time consuming and invasive than porcelain veneers, the dental crown procedure is still relatively minor compared to other smile restoration methods:
- The tooth is prepared to receive the crown. Both the tooth and surrounding gum tissue is anesthetized and the tooth is filed down to create adequate space for placement of the crown.
- An impression of your tooth is made and sent to a laboratory where the crown is created
- A temporary crown is placed over your tooth to prevent it from further damage
- As soon as the crown is fabricated, which typically takes two weeks, you return for a second visit where we bond the crown to your tooth
Types of Dental Crowns
There are three types of dental crowns that we provide as options to our patients. Which is applied is dependent on cosmetic goals, daily habits, financial restrictions, and current oral health conditions.
- Porcelain dental crowns are the most aesthetically pleasing and natural looking crowns. However, they lack the strength and durability provided by other types of dental crowns.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are more durable than pure porcelain while retaining a natural aesthetic. Consequently, these are the most commonly applied dental crowns.
- Gold dental crowns are still used under specific circumstances. Due to their colour, patients are hesitant to have gold dental crowns placed on their teeth. However, they provide the greatest longevity and durability, making them an ideal solution for patients who grind and clench their teeth.
To learn more, please read our Porcelain Dental Crowns Questions page.
Your smile is important to us and we strive to provide our patients with the best cosmetic dentistry solutions to meet their oral health needs and aesthetic goals. If you live in the Edmonton, Alberta area, have extensive tooth damage and are considering dental crowns, please contact Dr. Christine Fialka-Eshenko today to schedule your personal consultation.
