Over time, our teeth can weaken or even break as a result of decay, stress fractures from general wear-and-tear, and other factors that weaken the tooth’s structure. To restore an already broken tooth or to protect the weakened tooth from breaking, a crown is placed over the tooth. Dr. Farmer has assisted countless Longmont dental patients with durable dental crowns to restore damaged teeth.

A crown is a circumferential “helmet” that holds the remaining tooth structure together and protects it from cracking or breaking. It also restores the tooth’s original structure (or an improved shape that fits better with your bite, if necessary) so that it is durable and will match your natural teeth in both its function and natural appearance.

Dr. Farmer’s Ceramic Crowns for a More Natural-looking Smile

At Crossroads Dental of Longmont, we use ceramic crowns in order to restore your broken or weakened tooth. The ceramic crown is bonded directly into your tooth structure, and not metal (like other types of crowns). And with their slightly glass-like appearance, ceramic crowns match the look of your natural teeth so that there is no variation in the appearance or color of your teeth when you smile.

When a Crown May Be Needed

There are several factors that could contribute to your teeth needing a crown in order to restore and strengthen its structure. These factors include:

  • Mercury silver fillings becoming larger than, and weakening, the remaining tooth structure
  • Stress fractures, or cracks, in the tooth
  • Tooth becoming brittle and weak from previous root canal treatment
  • A tooth that has an undesirable color or shape

The Crown Placement Process

The process of placing a crown involves two stages, and two appointments. In the first stage, Dr. Farmer may first numb the area using a local anesthetic before making an impression of your tooth, which will be sent to a local laboratory so that your permanent crown can be created. Until your new crown is made, you will have a temporary crown cemented on your tooth until your second appointment. In the second appointment, which is typically about two weeks later, Dr. Farmer will place the permanent crown in your mouth, checking that its shape and color matches your natural teeth and that your bite is correct. Once she is satisfied with the fit, Dr. Farmer will then bond the crown to your tooth using dental cement.

Crown Placement — Recovery and Aftercare

There should be minimal discomfort after dental crown placement if a local anesthetic was used during the procedure. When you leave the office that day, you can eat or drink anything that feels comfortable with your new crown. Some patients may experience minor tooth sensitivity when ingesting hot or cold foods and beverages, though this typically subsides within the first week. Occasionally, you may notice that your bite, or “occlusion,” may need to be adjusted in the first couple weeks after a new crown is placed. This appointment usually takes less than five minutes and does not require any anesthetic. A good oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing, should resume immediately after the procedure.

Call for an Appointment with Dr. Farmer

If you have a cracked or broken tooth, or are having problems with tooth pain, immediate treatment may be necessary — so don’t hesitate to call Dr. Farmer! She can examine your tooth to determine whether treatment is needed to prevent infection and other complications that can occur as a result of a broken tooth. Even if a tooth is not yet broken, she will be able to assess its strength and determine if a crown is the best way to restore and protect it. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Farmer, call Crossroads Dental of Longmont today at (303) 776-1480.