Frequently Asked Questions

Restorative / Replacement

What is a Crown?:

Crowns can be made of all porcelain or have porcelain covering the outside and metal underneath. The metal used can be gold or a semi-precious alloy. Porcelain fused to metal crowns are generally used for strength on back teeth, and crowns that are all porcelain are generally used on front teeth for their aesthetic and translucent properties. The porcelain can match the color of your natural teeth perfectly.

After preparing the tooth, the Dentist takes an impression of the teeth and sends it to the Dental Lab. The Lab uses the models from the impression to make the crown. A porcelain fused to precious metal crown is the most common crown used in dentistry. Before the porcelain is baked onto the metal, it is contoured according to the size and shape of the other teeth.

How can Missing Teeth be replaced?:

Missing teeth can be replaced in a variety of ways. One that has recently become more common is the Dental Implant. Others include Permanent Bridgework, removable Partial Dentures, and Full Dentures.

What is a Root Canal?:

Root Canal Treatment is the removal of the tooth pulp from the inside of the tooth and the canals of the roots. After the pulp has been removed, and the canals of the root have been cleaned out, the tooth must be filled and sealed down to the tip of the root(s) to prevent infection.

Why does a Root Canal tooth need a Crown?:

It is generally recommended that the tooth have a crown because root canal teeth no longer have a blood supply and can become brittle and fracture. Not only can the tooth become more susceptible to breaking, but it could break in such a way that it may not be able to be restored. A crown can strengthen and protect the tooth from breaking.