Beverly Hills dentist, Dentist in Beverly Hills, CA

Crowns

As we get a little older, our teeth begin to change and are prone to decay. There are many possible reasons for this change in your smile. These reasons can include bruxism (teeth grinding), general decay, cracked fillings, root canals, and many others. If your tooth is beyond repairing with just a filling material, we may recommend that the best viable option to save the tooth is a full crown. The reasons for this type of restoration in a badly damaged tooth are durability, cosmetic appearance, and overall support of the chewing function.

Types of Crowns

If we decide that you are in need of a full crown, there are a few different options for the repair of your tooth. These options include a full porcelain crown, a porcelain fused to metal or gold crown, or a full gold crown. We will make the determination as to which of these options is the most appropriate for your situation. You can be comfortable in knowing that your new tooth will be virtually unnoticeable and will flawlessly complement the rest of your smile.

Procedure

When we have decided to go ahead with a full crown restoration, we will set aside 2-3 appointments for the entire process. Although the majority of crowns are completed in two visits, there is sometimes a need for a third visit to ensure a proper fit.

The procedure begins with the removal of all decay in the tooth. Once we have removed the decay, we will take an impression of the tooth. This impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted. While this new tooth is created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. Our temporary restorations will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life without worrying about a missing or incompatible tooth.

During your second visit to the office, we will proceed with the placement of your final restoration. This crown will be fitted comfortably into the mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new tooth feels exactly like one of your natural teeth. The final step in the process is to cement the crown into your mouth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile.

Instructions for Temporary Restoration

You have just had the preparation for a crown and are wearing a temporary. The temporary has been cemented with a medicated provisional cement. Care should be taken as temporaries are made to come out easily. Brushing should be gentle but thorough and flossing should be minimized to just inserting the floss, cleaning the teeth, and then pulling the floss out through the side. Sticky, chewy food should be avoided.

You may experience some discomfort in this tooth as a result of the procedure.

It is normal to feel:

-temperature sensitivity that does not linger

-chewing and flossing sensitivity that does not last for more than a few seconds

-sensitivity at the anesthetic site for a few days

Please call us if you experience:

-temperature sensitivity that lasts for more than ten seconds

-pain that occurs on it's own, spontaneously

-the temporary touching the opposite tooth too soon

-the temporary loosening or falling off

Please return for the next scheduled appointment as prolonged interruptions or delays can jeopardize treatment success.