What conditions damage teeth the most? Decay and gum disease top the list, but oral injury and excessive wear through age, acid erosion or teeth grinding contribute to loss of tooth structure, too. At Sitnik Dental in Salem, OR your dentist, Dr. Igor Sitnik, uses beautiful porcelain crowns to shore up weak teeth, recreating their original strength and natural beauty. Do you need a crown?
What is a dental crown?
Often referred to as a cap, a crown is a tooth-shaped and tooth-colored jacket of superior quality ceramic. Custom-made to cover healthy tooth structure above the gum line, a crown preserves and extends a tooth's usefulness, lifespan and appearance. In fact, when you crown a tooth, it simply blends in with the rest of your smile.
Crowning a tooth
Expect two visits to Sitnik Dental in Salem where your dentist will inspect your tooth and surrounding gum tissue. He'll X-ray it, too, to evaluate the underlying bone. Some teeth need root canal therapy (removal of inflamed interior pulp) before a crown can be placed.
Here's how the treatment goes. First, Dr. Sitnik will remove the decayed and damaged enamel. (You may need some local anesthetic for this.) Then, he will shape the tooth so it can accept the crown, and place a temporary cap over it for support. Oral impressions give the dental lab a negative imprint of the tooth so the technician can replicate it for size and shape.
When you come back to Sitnik Dental (in about a week), the dentist will take off the temporary restoration. Using a strong cement, he'll bond the permanent crown in place. A quick assessment for bite, fit and color match completes the procedure.
Caring for your crown
Whatever kind of crown you have--a single tooth crown, a crown which restores a dental implant, or multiple crowns to anchor fixed bridgework--you must brush and floss diligently. The American Dental Association advises you brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Also, floss with your favorite product once a day to remove plaque from the gum line and in between teeth.
Finally, avoid teeth clenching with a bite guard, and see Dr. Sitnik every six months. He'll want to keep an eye on that crown and do a complete oral examination and cleaning.
You can expect your crown to last many years--ten or more, at least. You'll enjoy how your smile looks and how well you can bite and chew again.
Contact us
Porcelain crowns are just one of the many restorative treatments Sitnik Dental in Salem provides. If you want state-of-the-art care that's just right for you and your smile, contact the office today for an appointment: (503) 363-5962.