Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth.
Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth.
Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.
Procedures
Before E4D, patients would have to have temporary crowns placed while they waited for their customized permanent crown to be created by a lab. This would entail two to three visits to the dentist to complete the process. E4D uses extremely sensitive technology to scan the existing dentition to create the most lifelike crown. The software allows the dentist to view and adjust the crown for the best fit, comfort, and utility. The machine then mills the restoration right in the office, using the information collected by the dentist. The dentist can then seat the crown securely, completing the entire procedure in a single appointment.Before E4D, patients would have to have temporary crowns placed while they waited for their customized permanent crown to be created by a lab. This would entail two to three visits to the dentist to complete the process. E4D uses extremely sensitive technology to scan the existing dentition to create the most lifelike crown.
Caring For Your Crowns
With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration.
Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the crown, or even damage the crown.