Good oral hygiene and routine dental care are the best ways to minimize extra trips to the dentist. Yet, even the most diligent of patients may face issues such as tooth decay, tooth injury, or permanent tooth discoloration. When issues like this arise, patients in Austin, Texas, can count on Dr. David Frank and the team at Walden Dental for a variety of tooth restoration options, such as dental crowns.
Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
If a tooth has suffered deep decay or injury, a straightforward filling may not be able to address the problem. In these cases, Dr. Frank may recommend a dental crown to restore oral health and protect the tooth from further damage. A dental crown completely covers the natural tooth structure.
Dental crowns are commonly recommended in the following scenarios:
- Following a root canal. After a root canal, a dental crown protects the weakened tooth structure from any additional damage and restores the ability to bite and chew properly.
- A tooth with deep decay. A tooth with extensive decay will require too large of a filling that would compromise the entire structure of the tooth. A dental crown can be used to protect and strengthen the tooth.
- A cosmetic issue with the tooth. If the tooth is permanently discolored or severely worn down, a dental crown may be used to improve the appearance of the tooth to blend in with the rest of the smile.
- A missing tooth. Dental crowns can be used with dental bridges and implants to replace missing teeth within the smile.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Having a dental crown placed typically requires two appointments. In the past, the first visit included:
- Removing any decay in the tooth and cleaning out
- Filing down the tooth so dental crown will fit over it and blend in with the smile.
- Messy impressions and molds to send off to an off-site lab.
- Placement of a temporary crown on top of the tooth to reduce sensitivity and allow patients to bite and chew while waiting for the permanent restoration.
However, at Walden Dental, we offer same-day CEREC crowns. This means that you don’t have to wait for two separate visits to have your fully restored smile. Once the damage is treated, you will be fitted with your new crown on the same day.
With CEREC, we use digital imaging and CAD/CAM software to design and fabricate your dental crown in a single visit. Once the crown is ready, Dr. Frank will check the crown for proper fit and can make minor adjustments as needed. The dental crown can be attached with a permanent bonding material, and you can leave the office with your brand-new smile.
To learn more about same-day CEREC crowns, call Walden Dental in Austin, Texas.