Custom-made restorative tooth caps, also known as dental crowns Louisville KY, are placed over a damaged, decayed, or weak tooth to restore its original shape, size, strength, and appearance. The visible part of the tooth at the gum line is fully encased by them, acting as a protective "helmet" to shield the tooth from additional harm.
Expectations Prior to Crowns Procedure
The Initial Encounter
During the initial visit, the tooth slated to receive dental crowns Louisville KY is inspected and readied. X-rays are then taken of the tooth and an evaluation is conducted of its strength in relation to the surrounding bone. Your dentist may need to perform a root canal treatment prior to your dental crown procedure if necessary.
Severe Tooth Decay
Risk of microbial invasion.
Damage to the tooth's pulp.
The pulp is a soft inner tissue within a tooth, comprising blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
The tooth will be prepared on both the top and sides of where dental crowns Louisville KY will be placed. This will leave room for the crown itself, with the amount of tooth filed away varying depending on the type of crown in question. All-metal dental crowns are thinner and require less of the tooth to be removed than do all-porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Following tooth reshaping, a paste or putty is used to create a mold or impression of the tooth that will be fitted with the crown. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth scheduled to receive the dental crown will also be created.
The dental impressions are sent to a laboratory. Typically, the laboratory sends the completed crowns back to the dentist within a timeframe of three to four days. At this initial dental appointment, your dentist will create a temporary crown to cover and safeguard the prepared tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
Second Encounter
During the second visit, the permanent dental crowns Louisville KY is then placed on your tooth. First, the temporary restoration is taken out and the fit and shade of the permanent crown is inspected. If everything is in order, the new crown is then permanently cemented into position.