Dental Crowns Seattle

Dental Crown 32 Pearls Seattle Dentist
Dental crown premolar tooth assembly process. Medically accurate 3D illustration of human teeth treatment

Dental Crowns

Sometimes when too much of a tooth’s structure has been damaged, a crown may be needed. Crowns may also be necessary to attach bridges, cover dental implants, correct badly shaped teeth, to protect a weak tooth or restore fractured teeth. This permanent covering fits right over your original tooth and with natural-looking e-max crowns or durable gold crowns, all custom made by a local dental laboratory.

Damaged teeth are strengthened with Crowns. The Crown will provide the tooth to function normally again. Crowns are composed of porcelain, also known as dental ceramics. Crowns are exactly like natural teeth. They appear very authentic and most people do not know the difference.

Purpose For Dental Crowns

  • Can prevent a broken tooth from further damage
  • Will hold together a previously cracked  or broken tooth
  • Support a large filling if there is substantial tooth decay or loss
  • Hold a dental bridge in place
  • Cover dental implant

Types of Crowns

Not all crowns are made of porcelain. Stainless steel and other metals are also used such as gold, resin, and ceramic. Porcelain is favored because the color is a genuine look that is more natural.

  • Stainless steel dental crowns are usually temporary. It acts as protection for the tooth while a permanent one is being made. It is common for stainless steel to be used for children’s dentistry because they are covered by low-cost dental care.
  • Gold and platinum, or metal-base alloys last the longest and are the strongest crown types available. These metals are used for teeth that are mostly unseen.
  • All-Resin crowns are the most inexpensive crowns. They may break down quicker than steel, gold or platinum
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns match the color of your teeth the best. These are the soundest types of dental crowns for front and back teeth and great support for dental bridges.

Dental Crown Procedure

First Visit

An x-ray will provide images to help take a closer look for tooth reshaping and to fit the temporary crown. The results of the x-ray will present a thorough look at both teeth and jawbone to be sure the area is clean and ready.

In order for the crown to fit properly over the tooth, the tooth is shaped. A file is used to shape the crown while any tooth decay will be addressed and managed at this time.

An impression will be made on both sides of your mouth so the bite is equal. A cast or model is formed from a paste-like putty that mimics the exact shape of your mouth.

Second Visit

It can take up to three weeks for the laboratory to make the new permanent crown.

An impression body, made from alginate impression material.
Learn more about dental impressions here.

Video of Dental Crown Procedure

What is a “perfect” Dental Crown?

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