Crown

Crown
http://www.drsklar.com/ptinfo/crown.htm

Why a crown?

    A crown can be done for any number of reasons: broken tooth, root canal treated tooth, large old filling, reshape tooth for appearance and/or improved bite. A filling really only repairs a small hole. To rebuild, reshape, or protect a substantial part of your tooth, a filling just won’t do the job, and a crown is preferred. A crown is also called a cap.

What was done

    Your tooth was reshaped, often including rebuilding part of the tooth with a crown "buildup". A small amount of enamel is removed - exactly the thickness of the crown. A mold of your tooth is made (an impression), and a special plaster is poured into this mold. From this mold, our laboratory makes your crown. The crown can be made from different materials: all porcelain, gold (white or yellow), porcelain and gold. Different situations often suggest different materials to be used depending on durability, esthetics, and physical limitations. We make every effort to include your wishes in the decision of materials to be used. When a porcelain crown is made, we match the shade(s) of your adjacent teeth for the new crown.

Care of your temporary crown

    The temporary crown is usually made of plastic (it can also be metal), and is not intended for long-term wear - usually for 2-6 weeks. It is to protect the tooth from sensitivity (temperature, touch), protect the gums, and to hold the bite (keep the adjacent and opposing tooth from shifting).

    Brush, floss, Water-Pik, clean, etc. as usual, except, when you floss pull the floss through instead of up/down, so as not to dislodge the temporary crown. Avoid sticky things that could pull off your temporary crown.

Care of your tooth and gum

    The gum is often a little irritated next to the crown. A salt water rinse is very helpful - a teaspoon of salt in a warm glass of water, rinsed gently a couple times a day, until your gum feels better. Advil, aspirin, or Tylenol before the anesthesia wears off is always helpful.

What if the temporary crown comes off?

    If it is only a day or two before your visit to try in your new crown, and the tooth is not sensitive, you can leave it out - BUT save it! If the time is longer before your appointment, you can put it back in temporarily with Vaseline, but call our office to have it recemented. Without the temporary crown on, adjacent and opposing teeth can shift, sometimes so much that the permanent crown won’t fit.

What’s next

    When we see you next, we’ll gently remove your temporary crown. If your tooth is sensitive, you may require some anesthesia (or laughing gas). We will try in your new crown to check it for: fit, color, shape and appearance, bite, fit between teeth, seal against your tooth. If everything is correct then, we cement the crown with a long-term cement. Treat the crown as if it is your own tooth, especially for cleaning. It is not uncommon to experience a little sensitivity to cold after getting a new crown, but this should diminish quickly (over a couple weeks).

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Andrew M. Sklar, DDS, PC
http://www.drsklar.com
Family and General Dentistry
4901 Seminary Road, Suite 120
Alexandria, VA 22311
Tel: 703-931-3141
Fax:703-845-1512
email: office@drsklar.com

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