Patients in Bloomington, IL ask about the process of placing dental crowns

At Eastland Dental Center, our professionals are faced with many different dental situations in our practice. Patients in Bloomington, IL and Normal, IL often visit us with concerns about restoring their smiles. A common restoration used in our practice is dental crowns. They play a significant role in dentistry and are commonly used to address a variety of issues.

What is a dental crown?

Often, a dental crown is placed to offer a layer of protection for a weakened tooth. Sometimes, they act as a false tooth when used over a dental implant. We use ceramics to fabricate our dental crowns to provide strong, durable, and natural-looking restorations for our patients.

What are dental crowns used for?

A dental crown is used in many situations and is one of the most versatile solutions in our practice. Dental crowns can be placed over the abutment of a dental implant as a way of repairing the smile after tooth loss. The dental implant, a titanium post, acts as the natural tooth root, and a dental crown is placed over the top to look and function as a natural tooth once did. Dental crowns may also be used after root canal therapy. After root canal therapy, a tooth can become brittle due to the removal of the dental pulp. A dental crown placed over the tooth can protect and strengthen it. Another way in which dental crowns are used is to protect a tooth that has had a large cavity. Sometimes, a filling is not enough to protect a tooth after decay has occurred. The filling may also affect the strength of the tooth’s structure and make it more susceptible to breakage. By placing a dental crown over the tooth that has a filling, it provides protection. It reduces the chance of the tooth breaking and requiring a replacement such as an implant, bridge, or denture. Crowns are extremely versatile and are used in many dental practices.

What is the process of obtaining a dental crown?

• Diagnosis – first, it must be determined that a patient can benefit from the placement of a dental crown. This is done during an evaluation, and sometimes, after taking x-rays of the smile. The health of the entire mouth is taken into consideration to determine if a dental crown is the most appropriate way to approach the specific issue.
• Preparation – the dental crown fits over the entire tooth, covering all the exposed surfaces. It needs to fit properly without adding extra bulk. To ensure this doesn’t happen, we will need to prepare the tooth for the placement of the dental crown. This requires the dentist to remove a portion of the tooth enamel from around the inner core of the tooth.
• Impressions – once the tooth is prepared, impressions are taken and used to fabricate the final restoration. These molds are done right in our office and then sent to our local lab to fabricate the restoration. The dentist sends specific instructions in regard to size, color, and shape to ensure the restoration matches the existing teeth and looks as natural as possible.
• Temporary – the tooth will have a temporary crown in place while we wait for the permanent crown to return from the lab.
• Placement – once the crown is finished, patients return to the office for the placement of their new restoration. The crown is bonded onto the tooth with dental cement to ensure it stays in place for a long time.
• Aftercare – patients are educated on how to care for their restorations to improve their longevity. This includes brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental appointments with our practice.

Want to discuss dental crowns and other restorations with a quality dental practice?

Enjoy trusted care and comprehensive solutions for your smile by visiting Drs. Mike Milligan and Marisa Milligan of Eastland Dental Center. Patients in and around the communities of Normal, IL and Bloomington, IL are welcome to book an appointment to consult with our team in regard to the solutions available for their smiles. We can be contacted by calling (309) 663-4711 or visiting the office in Suite 101 at 1404 Eastland Drive.