In cases where a filling cannot cover a large amount of decay or damage incurred to a tooth, Dr. Lee will place a dental crown. A dental crown is a restoration that covers the entire tooth, fitting snugly around the gum line. Also known as a “cap,” a crown can be constructed from a number of durable materials and takes just two office visits to place.
Dental crowns are used in cases of moderate to severe tooth decay where a filling will not provide enough strength and support to the tooth. Crowns are also used to hold a fractured tooth together, cover large chips, or rebuild the structure of a tooth that been worn down. Dental bridges are anchored in place with the use of crowns placed the teeth located on either side of the gap, and crowns are often used to cover a tooth after endodontic treatment. Finally, crowns can be used entirely for cosmetic purposes to cover teeth that are stained, chipped, or otherwise marred by esthetic imperfections.
Dr. Lee offers crowns made from various materials, depending on the need. Metal crowns are durable and long-lasting, but they are usually used on molars because of their dark metallic appearance. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns consist of a metal base that is covered with white ceramic material, giving you the durability of a metal crown with a more natural, tooth-colored appearance. All-ceramic crowns, including lithium disilicate or zirconia crowns, offer an even more natural appearance, as they are more translucent than PFM crowns and do not have a metal substructure showing through.
Your Coppell dentist will first administer a local anesthetic to the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. Next, he will shape and prepare the tooth for the crown and perform a dental impression. The mold from this impression will be used by a dental laboratory to construct your custom crown. You will be given a temporary crown to wear while you wait for your permanent restoration to be handcrafted so that you can maintain normal oral function. At your second office visit, Dr. Lee will cement your permanent crown to your tooth.
To experience the benefits of modern general dentistry and prosthodontics in Coppell, TX, contact Dr. Heeje Lee at (972) 315-0811. Evergreen Dental welcomes patients from Coppell, Lewisville, Grapevine, Flower Mound, Irving, and the nearby communities.