What is a Crown?
Crowns are a type of dental restoration which, when cemented into place, fully cup over the portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

Why do teeth need crowns?
Dr. Bonham might recommend placing a dental crown for a variety of reasons but, in general, most of these reasons will usually fall within one of the following basic categories:

  1) To restore a tooth to its original shape
  2) To strengthen a tooth
  3) To improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth

What does it involve?
Preparing a tooth for a crown usually requires two visits to the dentist, the first step involves examining and preparing the tooth, the second visit involves placement of the permanent crown. At the first visit in preparation for a crown, your dentist may take a few X-rays to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and surrounding bone. If the tooth has extensive decay or if there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth’s pulp, a root canal treatment may first be performed.

Before the process of making the crown is begun, Dr. Bonham will numb your tooth and the gum tissue around the tooth. Next, the tooth receiving the crown is filed down along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. If on the other hand, a large area of the tooth is missing (due to decay or damage), Dr. Bonham will use filling material to “build up” the tooth to support the crown. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth to receive the crown will also be made to make sure that the crown will not affect your bite. A temporary crown will be made and placed until the permanent crown can be made.

At the second visit, Dr. Bonham will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent crown. If all is acceptable, the new crown is permanently submitted.

Bonham Dental Arts • 12720 Ulmerton Rd • Largo, Florida 33774-3601 • 727-493-4018