There are times when you may need to protect or repair a tooth that has been damaged or affected by tooth decay or periodontal disease. At Summit Dental Group of Boise, Idaho, our dentists work alongside patients to educate them on solutions for their dental concerns. If a patient is a good candidate for the fabrication and placement of a dental crown, our team will make that recommendation and walk them through the process. The dental crown procedure is a straightforward solution to addressing teeth affected by infection, decay, or trauma.
What is a dental crown?
Drs. Carson Mooney, Robert Studebaker, Lance Ritchie, and Zach Richardson of Summit Dental Group describe the dental crown as a porcelain “cap.” It is fabricated to match the patient’s existing teeth to ensure that it looks as natural as possible within the smile once placed. These “caps” cover the exposed portion of a tooth above the gumline and can last many years with proper care.
What is the process for obtaining dental crowns?
There are several steps required to fabricate and place porcelain caps for teeth. Drs. Carson Mooney, Robert Studebaker, Lance Ritchie, and Zach Richardson advise patients about this process to ensure they understand what needs to be done.
- Evaluation. First, our dentists at Summit Dental Group will evaluate you to determine if a dental crown is right for you. In some instances, patients might be advised on other restorations that might be best for them, including inlays and onlays
- Preparation. Once patients have decided to move forward with fabricating and placing a dental crown over one or more teeth, the teeth will be prepared. The dentists will file down the tooth structure all the way around, which allows for a dental crown to be placed without adding extra bulk
- Molds. After the tooth is prepared, we take impressions of the tooth, which are sent to an outside laboratory where a skilled ceramist will create the final restoration
- Creation of the dental crown. The tooth is matched in shape, size, and exact color of the patient’s existing teeth for seamless integration with the smile when placed. This process can take approximately one to two weeks to complete
- Placement. After the final restoration is completed by the ceramist and sent back to Summit Dental Group, the patient returns. The temporary dental crown will be removed, and the patient’s final restoration bonded over the tooth
How long will my dental crown last?
Patients who take proper care of their smile after dental crown placement will find that their restoration will last many years before needing replacement. This makes it an excellent investment in strengthening and protecting an otherwise compromised tooth.
Request time to talk to us about your dental needs
If you have been told you could benefit from a dental crown, you should talk to our dentists at Summit Dental Group of Boise, Idaho, about the available solutions. Drs. Carson Mooney, Robert Studebaker, Lance Ritchie, and Zach Richardson can educate you further on the process of obtaining dental crowns and the benefits they provide.
The office is open to new patients who call [phone] for a consultation appointment with our team.
