Dental Crowns In Rockford, Roscoe, Rockton & South Beloit

Dental crowns are an excellent way to protect damaged teeth and restore function to your mouth without an extraction.

What are crowns? Crowns are specially-crafted covers or caps to fit over an existing tooth or dental implant. Today, most crowns are made or porcelain or ceramic but they can be made of gold, metal alloys, or acrylic. A crown is custom-designed to fit your mouth, right down to your bite and tooth color.

Benefits of crowns. Crowns provide aesthetic, functional, and structural benefits. They allow you to keep using your teeth as you normally would, acting as a replacement tooth. They can be used to:

• Protect or strengthen a damaged tooth
• Improve the appearance, shape, alignment, or function of a tooth, or
• Cover gaps left by missing teeth

When a crown may be recommended, Dr. Anderson may recommend a crown when:

• A tooth requires a large filling and there isn’t enough tooth remaining
• A weak tooth needs protection from fracturing
• A fractured tooth needs to be restored
• A bridge needs to be attached
• A dental implant needs to be covered
• You wish to cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
• A tooth that has had root canal treatment needs to be covered

The Procedure. Getting a crown is usually a two-visit procedure. At the first visit, the dentist will examine the tooth and prep it to fit the new crown. Once the tooth is ready to support a crown, an impression will be taken. This will serve as a guide for making your permanent crown so it’s sure to fit in your mouth. You’ll be outfitted with a temporary crown at the end of this visit, which will stay in place until the permanent crown is ready.

When the permanent crown is ready, you will have your second appointment. At this time, the temporary crown is removed, the underlying tooth/structure cleaned, and the permanent crown is fastened in place.

FAQs

Will the crown come off? While there is always a chance that the crown may become dislodged or come off, it is very, very rare for this to happen. We used a strong dental bonding agent to “glue” the crown to the tooth underneath. In most cases, you can eat and drink normally shortly after your procedure without fear of the crown coming off.

Do crowns require special care? No. Crowns need the same care as the rest of your teeth – regular brushing, flossing, and dental check ups. If you notice a change in your crown, contact our office right away so we can check it out.

Will anyone know I have a crown? It depends on what kind of crown you get. You can get a porcelain or ceramic crown that looks exactly like a real tooth. No one will be able to tell you have a crown unless you tell them.

Alternatives to crowns. Alternatives to crowns depend on the underlying issue. If the tooth is discolored or unsightly, a veneer may fix the problem. An implant or bridge may be an alternative solution for missing teeth. For weak teeth or teeth that have had a root canal, a crown is likely the best option. Dr. Anderson will discuss your needs, options, and recommend the best course of action to correct your dental issue.

Contact Susan P. Anderson For Crowns In Rockford

Learn more about getting crowns in Rockford by contacting Susan P. Anderson, DDS General Family Dentistry at 815-623-1900.