At Ragan Family Dentistry, we use crowns, which are tooth-shaped caps placed over the visible portion of teeth, to restore their shape and size, improve their appearance, and strengthen them.
Before a crown can be placed over a damaged tooth, the tooth must be reshaped to accommodate the restoration. The crown is custom-created in a laboratory, based on impressions of the prepared tooth. Once in place, the crown will fully encase the portion of the tooth that lies above the gum line.
Crowns are ideal for fixing severely damaged teeth and improving the appearance of teeth that are disproportionately small, misshapen, or discolored. In addition, crowns can hold a dental bridge in place. They are also used in dental implant restorations. By capping the teeth, these securely placed restorations provide strength and stability to the teeth and restore the bite.
During the first visit, the tooth is prepared by removing a small portion of its outer structure to create space for the crown. An impression is then taken to create a custom-made crown that fits your tooth precisely. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory. During the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is carefully placed and bonded onto the tooth using dental cement.
Dental crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting, providing years of functionality with proper care and maintenance. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, is essential to ensure the crown's longevity and overall oral health.
Tooth Protection
Dental crowns provide significant protection for damaged or weakened teeth. They cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing a protective barrier against further damage, decay, or fracture. Crowns help preserve the underlying tooth structure, preventing the need for more complex procedures such as extractions.
Functional Restoration
Crowns restore the functionality of a tooth by providing strength and stability. They allow you to bite and chew properly, restoring your ability to eat a wide range of foods without discomfort or difficulty. By restoring the function of a damaged tooth, crowns contribute to maintaining a healthy diet and overall well-being.
Improved Appearance
Dental crowns can significantly enhance the appearance of a tooth. They are designed to match the color, shape, and size of the surrounding natural teeth, creating a seamless and natural-looking smile. Crowns can be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are severely discolored, misshapen, or have significant cosmetic flaws.
Visit Ragan Family Dentistry at 201 S 3rd St., McAlester, OK 74501, or call (918) 426-9900 to learn more about dental crowns. Our dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss treatment options, and develop a personalized plan to address your concerns and achieve the desired results.