Crowns

A crown is used to cover and strengthen individual teeth that are structurally weakened. It protects the entire surface of the tooth, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown can be used as a solution when the surface of the tooth is a problem but the root is still healthy. We may recommend a crown if your tooth is fractured, has an old filling or cannot hold a new one, is severely damaged by cavities, or is in danger of cracking down into the root if left untreated.

A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. During your first visit, we will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface. Next, we will take impressions from which the crown is made. A temporary crown is placed until the permanent one is ready.

Within two weeks, you will return to have your temporary crown removed and your new crown placed. The porcelain crown will protect your tooth from further decay, but you must protect the base of the crown from bacterial growth and gum disease. As with all procedures, proper home care and regular dental visits will help prolong the life of your new crown.

The team at Riverstone Dental offers three types of crowns:

1. Full Gold - which is excellent for back teeth. Although gold crowns are very strong, the wear rate is about the same as tooth enamel. This means that a gold dental crown won't create excessive wear on the teeth it comes into contact with.
2. Porcelain Fused to Metal - Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns can be a good choice for either front or back teeth. These crowns are strong enough to withstand heavy biting pressures and at the same time can have an excellent cosmetic appearance.
3. All-Porcelain - The all-porcelain crowns are used primarily for front teeth because they are more esthetic and life-like than porcelain fused to metal crowns.