If you have a badly damaged or decayed tooth, a dental crown can restore its function and make it look healthy and vibrant.
When Is a Crown Used?
Dr. LeSage’s goal is to preserve as much of your healthy tooth structure as possible, so he prefers porcelain onlays and inlays to restore teeth. Most dentists use a dental crown to restore a badly damaged or decayed tooth, but most often, teeth can be restored more conservatively with a porcelain onlay. A crown replaces the entire exterior of a tooth from the gumline up. An onlay, on the other hand, will preserve any healthy tooth structure that remains.
A crown is required in the following cases:
- Replace an existing crown – If you have a lost, broken, or worn crown, we will provide a new one.
- Build a dental bridge – A series of dental crowns are joined together to make a bridge and replace a single tooth or successive missing teeth. The crown on each end serves as an anchor, and the replacement teeth are in the middle.
- Restore a dental implant – A custom-made crown is made to match your natural teeth. It’s secured to the implant. Our dental implants page explains the process.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dr. LeSage usually places e.max or CEREC crowns.
eMax
High-strength ceramic lithium disilicate is the foundation of eMax crowns. A master ceramist may use the material as a monolithic substrate or apply a layer of porcelain to the foundation to beautifully match the color and translucency of your natural teeth.
CEREC
CEREC uses CAD/CAM technology to take digital impressions of your teeth, transfer the model to a computer, and craft a custom crown in a milling machine. It’s all completed in Dr. LeSage’s office in a single visit. He will use a high-quality ceramic block to match the shade and translucency of your natural teeth. You’ll leave our office with a new natural-looking crown. CEREC technology is also used to make custom inlays and onlays.
Porcelain fused to metal
Dr. LeSage might use a porcelain-fused-to-gold crown in cases of severe teeth grinding or in a dental bridge. A high-noble gold foundation gives a crown accurate fit, strength, and durability. Porcelain is baked onto the surface and fused to it. Your crown will be crafted by a master ceramist who produces natural-looking results and will ensure the metal foundation doesn’t show through at your gumline.
How to Care for a Dental Crown
Even high-quality crowns need diligent care if you want them to last.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss daily.
- Wear a custom nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth.
- Avoid chewing or biting very hard foods or objects.
- Keep your appointments for regular dental exams and cleanings.
If you’re interested in knowing your options for restoring your damaged teeth, call us or complete our Request an Appointment form. Dr. LeSage will examine your teeth and explain your options and the results you can expect.