912-354-9541
A crown is essentially an artificial tooth placed over top of a tooth that is broken, damaged or in need of cosmetic replacement.
Crowns can also be used for teeth that have old or multiple large fillings. In some cases the cement holding large fillings in place can weaken over time. Eventually bacteria can slip into the microscopic gap between the filling and the healthy enamel causing the filling to fail. Sometimes there simply might not be enough enamel left for your dentist to anchor a new filling to.
Getting a crown requires two separate appointments. At the first appointment your dentist will remove some of the remaining enamel leaving a stub called an abutment.
The dentist then takes an impression of the abutment and the surrounding teeth, as well as the shape of your bite in that area. This impression is then sent to a dental lab where a new crown is made. At the end of the procedure the abutment is covered with a temporary crown.
A few weeks later you will schedule your second appointment where the dentist will fit the final permanent crown in place.
If you have a tooth with fractures, a lost filling or other questions about whether or not you should get a crown, please feel free to call us at 912-354-9541 to schedule an appointment.