A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. The crown is cemented over the damaged tooth to protect it from further damage or decay. It’s often necessary to have a crown placed after root canal therapy, but crowns are also used for cosmetic reasons. At Summit Family Dental Care, dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and gold.

The Dental Crown Procedure

The crown procedure usually requires two visits to the dentist’s office. During the first visit, our dentist in Medford, OR, will numb the tooth and surrounding area with a local anesthetic. Then, they will file down your tooth to make room for the crown. Next, they will take an impression of your teeth that will be used to create your custom crown. This impression will be sent to a lab where a technician will create your permanent crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed on your tooth to protect it until your next appointment. At your second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent one placed in your mouth. Our dentist will check to make sure it fits appropriately and then cement it into place.

Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?

Strengthening a Weakened or Cracked Tooth

One of the primary reasons for needing a dental crown is to reinforce a weakened or cracked tooth. Teeth that have suffered structural damage, often due to large cavities, trauma, or excessive wear and tear, can be at risk of further harm. Dental crowns in Medford, OR, act as a protective cap, encapsulating the tooth to prevent cracks from expanding and fractures from occurring, thus preserving the tooth's integrity and function.

Restoring a Tooth After a Root Canal

Following a root canal procedure, where the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth is removed, the tooth may become more fragile. A dental crown is typically placed over the treated tooth to provide structural support, protect it from future infection, and restore its functionality. This restoration ensures the tooth can continue functioning as a valuable part of your bite.

Anchoring a Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth, and they rely on adjacent healthy teeth for support. These supporting teeth are typically capped with dental crowns, securing the bridge. Crowns ensure the bridge is stable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting.

Dental crowns are a safe, effective, and standard procedure used to improve the appearance of your smile and protect your teeth from further damage. Visit Summit Family Dental Care at 1420 E. McAndrews Rd, Medford, OR 97504, or call (541) 779-2634 to learn more about dental crowns.