Dental Crowns – Houston, TX
Save Your Damaged Teeth with Crowns
Your teeth are meant to last for a lifetime with the right care at home and from your dentist. Unfortunately, even with the best preventive measures in place, a tooth’s health, function, or appearance can be compromised. Dr. Mark E. Lawton can rehabilitate the health and look of your teeth with dental crowns in Greater Inwood. The custom-made restorations are designed to look natural to improve your smile and your oral health.
Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that covers the entire visible surface of a tooth down to the gumline. It is used to improve a tooth’s size, shape, strength, and aesthetics. They are most often used in restorative dentistry to protect a weakened tooth from breaking or to repair it after decay or injury. It is common for them to be used in combination with other treatments as well, such as root canal therapy, a dental bridge, or dental implants.
Now, the use of all-ceramic materials allows them to hold a commonplace in cosmetic dentistry, such as to cover dark tooth discoloration or to enhance its shape.
Among the most common reasons a crown may be needed includes:
- Protect a weakened tooth, such as one with a large cavity.
- Treat a tooth with a significant break or fracture.
- Hold a dental bridge in place.
- Cover a misshaped or discolored tooth.
- Cover a dental implant.
- Provide an added layer of protection, such as after a root canal.
What is the Process for Getting a Crown?
After an initial consultation with your dentist in Greater Inwood, Dr. Lawton creates a treatment plan catering to your needs. Your tooth is reshaped to allow the crown to fit over it. A digital impression is taken to get the specifications needed to craft your tooth to meet your exact needs, including the size and shape.
Our office features advanced technology to simplify the process. Instead of sending the information to a dental lab to create your crown, it is sent to our CAD/CAM software. Dr. Lawton sets the specifics for your crown, including the color, before sending the information to our in-office milling machine.
The milling machine cuts your restoration from a single block of all-ceramic material. In less than an hour, your crown is ready to be bonded in place. There is no need for a temporary crown or a second appointment. The entire process is handled in just one day.
Caring for a Dental Crown
Although the crown is not subject to tooth decay, you must still take the time to care for it. When brushing and flossing, pay careful attention when cleaning near the gumline to remove harmful plaque and bacteria. While the crown is durable, it can break. It is best to avoid chewing overly hard or sticky foods with it. In addition, do not use your teeth as tools or chew on inedible objects. With the right care, your crown can last for an average of 10 years before needing to be replaced.
Save Your Smile with a Crown
If you have a damaged tooth, we can save it with a dental crown. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.